CHR asks Congress to pass Sogiesc bill immediately

Inquirer/Niño Jesus Orbeta

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday urged lawmakers in the Senate and House of Representatives to pass the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sex Characteristics (Sogiesc) Equality Bill in support of the gay community’s plea for protection against discrimination.

“Let us remind ourselves of the struggles that the community faces to this date in all aspects of living, to which they [have] long been subjected to violence, discrimination, and even deprivation of access to public services such as education, health care, family rights, and basic security,” it said in a statement.

READ: UN body calls for passage of SOGIESC bill

“We urge the passage of the Sogiesc Equality Bill and the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Bill to affirm the State’s obligation in upholding equality and ensuring that the LGBTQI community is protected under the law,” it added.

The CHR participated in the “LoveLaban2Everyone: Pride PH” festival held on June 22 in Quezon City in celebration of Pride Month. The event, however, was canceled after a few hours due to heavy rains.

To show its support for the passage of the Sogiesc bill, the CHR said it would always be ready to listen to the concerns and issues faced by the LGBTQI community and amplify their plea.

“Let us keep in mind that these legislations do not intend to grant greater preference to the LGBTQI community. Instead, these seek to address the vulnerabilities they have long been subjected to and create a safe space for them,” it said.