CHR asks Congress to keep an open mind on gender equality bill

AFP file photo of organizations celebrating rights of the LGBT+

MANILA, Philippines—Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday urged lawmakers to keep an open mind on the ‘Sogiesc’ bill.

The commission hopes Congress passes the measure.

Sogiesc stands for ‘Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, gender Expression, or Sex Characteristics.’

“In observance of Pride Month, we hope to see concrete and serious strides in advancing the plight of the LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex) sector through the swift progress of the equality bill,” said CHR.

“In line with the State’s duty to continuously uphold the life and dignity of its people, particularly the marginalized ones, it is crucial that both chambers of Congress see the bill to its fruition,” it added.

The House committee on women and gender equality approved the bill on May 23 and it’s now moving forward.

In Senate, the committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality approved the measure,but it was returned to the Senate rules panel.

Senate majority leader Joel Villanueva saw no urgency in its passage.

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