MANILA, Philippines — The Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality bill is based on feelings, not facts, a religious group representative said Wednesday.
During the Senate hearing on the SOGIE bill, Atty. Lyndon Caña of the Coalition of Concerned Families of the Philippines (CCFP) said the title of the bill itself shows “the nature of the basis for the proposed legislation.”
“Sexual orientation, that is subjective. Gender identity, that is subjective versus later on rights that come from facts,” Caña told Senator Risa Hontiveros, who had refiled the bill at the Senate.
“So there is a contest here of facts and feelings. We are very concerned that under SOGIE bill, facts will be defeated by feelings,” Caña added.
Caña said that although his group is opposing the SOGIE bill, the CCFP does not hate the LGBT community.
“We do not condone any form of bashing, bullying or disrespect,” Caña said.
“We categorically state that they are human beings, they are entitled to respect. Having said that, however, we have the strongest reservation or concerns about the SOGIE bill. I hope it will not be misconstrued as hatred for the LGBT community,” he added.
Let’s talk’
In her opening statement, Hontiveros encouraged those who approve and oppose the SOGIE bill to settle their differences regarding the measure during the Senate hearing.
“Let’s talk. Mabuti nang mas personal na napag-uusapan. Nandito tayo ngayon para makinig sa isa’t-isa, unawain ang isa’t-isa, at maging bukas sa isa’t isa,” Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros is the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, which conducts the hearings on the SOGIE bill.
She also addressed pro-life and pro-family organizations that are opposing the measure, saying the SOGIE bill will “take into consideration religious and faith-based sensitivities.”
“Let’s remind ourselves of our unities: we are all against any form of discrimination, that we want what is best for each other, and we want to preserve our values and the Filipino family,” Hontiveros said.
“We are here to hear all sides, and to better the SOGIE Equality Bill.” /muf