An anti-discrimination bill dedicated for members of the lesbian, gays, bisexual, transgender, and queer community has “no chance” of hurdling the Senate, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Wednesday.
Sotto declared this after the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality started tackling the proposed law seeking to prohibit and penalize discriminatory acts based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression or the SOGIE Equality Bill last Tuesday.
“Anti-discrimination bill on persons puwede, pero focused on gays, which the SOGIE bill is, and religious and academic freedom impeded, plus smuggling of same-sex marriage? No chance!” the Senate chief said.
Sotto has been vocal about his reservations about the SOGIE bill, saying that this might impinge on the rights of religious and educational institutions that ban cross-dressing.
He said the bill may also be “discriminatory against women” who feel uncomfortable sharing facilities with LGBTQs.
Sotto also opposed the provision in the measure which includes in the discriminatory practices the denial or revocation of government licenses, certification or similar documents necessary for a profession, business, and other legitimate reasons, based on SOGIE, saying this may pave the way for the legalization of same-sex marriage.
“Anong ibig sabihin nun? Saan papunta ‘yon? Pagbabawalan at merong penalty na kulong o malaking penalty kapag ikaw ay hindi ka nagbigay ng marriage license, kapag nag discriminate ka sa gender ng humihingi sayo ng marriage license. Ano tawag mo doon?” Sotto said. (Vanne Terrazola)
