Sophia Marie L.

Fernandez FA#1 (GED0101)

In recent years, the issue of LGBTQIA+ rights has gained prominence globally, with
countries around the world considering legislation aimed at protecting the rights and well-being
of LGBTQIA+ individuals. In the Philippines, one such piece of legislation has been the subject
of intense debate and discussion, the SOGIE Bill. The SOGIE Bill stands for “Sexual Orientation
and Gender Identity and Expression Bill.” This legislation holds significant importance as it
seeks to provide legal safeguards against discrimination, harassment, and violence based on
one’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. In this essay, we will try to answer the
question “Why the SOGIE Bill should be implemented in the Philippines?”

According to a study conducted by (United Nations, 2014), approximately 30% of the

LGBTQIA+ community was reportedly being assaulted, humiliated, and victimized by others in
their workplace due to their sexual orientation and gender identity of expression. Furthermore,
the same survey revealed that 21% of Filipino individuals claimed that their SOGIE was a factor
in their employment application being rejected. The results of the study by (Enriquez, 2017) also
discovered that 25% of respondents had experienced harassment from their employers or
superior officers, 33% had experienced harassment from co-workers, and 60% had been the
target of workplace slurs and jokes. Many research studies on employment and work
environments revealed that LGBTQIA+ people often can't be themselves at work. They are
forced to act in a ways society considers ‘normal’ for heterosexual people. They also need to
work harder to prove their qualifications more than heterosexual (UNDP, USAID 2014). The
overall information demonstrates the dominant attitude towards LGBTQIA+ people in the
professional world of the Philippines. These findings emphasized the crucial need for
comprehensive legal protections and awareness campaigns to fight workplace discrimination
based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Even in our modern era, gender stereotypes continue to prevail, promoting the idea that
men are superior to women in strength, intelligence, and other areas. Even though we have
constitutional and statutory rights, there are still instances of gender inequality and
discrimination. The best example of gender inequality occurred during the election when Former
President Rodrigo Duterte asserted that former Vice President Leni Robredo could not serve as
president due to the need for mental stability, implying that she could not effectively manage
such challenges. This serves as just one instance highlighting the prevalence of male superiority,
even though women are equally capable of achieving what men can. Next is an example that
illustrates discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals: Gretchen Diez, a confident
transgender woman who identifies herself as a woman and consistently uses the women's
restroom, encountered a situation where a female janitor insisted that she should use the men's
restroom instead. The examples mentioned are proof that gender inequality and discrimination
not only affect LGBTQIA+ but also affect both men and women since we settle in this thinking
that women are assigned to do lower-valued roles, whereas men are assigned more critical,
sophisticated jobs (Cheruto, 2018). The SOGIE Bill will not only help the LGBTQIA+ but also
each citizen of the country in a way that they have additional protection and rights in facing
discrimination and gender inequalities. This bill is also a step toward a fairer and more inclusive
society, where everyone's rights and dignity are respected.

Critics have argued that the SOGIE Bill may infringe upon religious freedom due to
concerns about its potential impact on religious institutions and individuals who hold traditional
beliefs regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. They mentioned that the bill's provisions
could compel religious institutions to recognize and accommodate LGBTQIA+ rights, such as
same-sex marriage, which would be contrary to their faith's teachings and doctrines. However,
According to Senator Risa Contiveros, the SOGIE Bill respects religious freedom as a basic
human right and it does not infringe on religious doctrines, teachings, and rights. She also added
that people should start accepting the fact that LGBTQIA+ persons should enjoy the same rights
as everyone, including the right to live peacefully, and not to be treated as a lesser person. The
Bill also meant to find a fair balance and ensure LGBTQIA+ rights while also respecting
religious freedom.

In conclusion, the SOGIE Bill should be implemented into law because there have been
numerous reports of gender discrimination, particularly against non-binary genders. Members of
the LGBTQIA+ communities have faced mass discrimination because of their sexual orientation,
gender identity, and expression. The transgender and queer community faces a variety of
challenges, including difficulty finding work, accessing preferred public restrooms, and
attending educational institutions. Supporting this bill is essential since it promotes equality,
human rights, and social inclusion. It acknowledges that every person, regardless of their
SOGIE, deserves respect and protection under the law. While concerns have been raised about
potential conflicts with religious freedom, it's important to note that the bill seeks a balanced
approach, respecting both LGBTQIA+ rights and religious beliefs. By implementing this bill, the
Philippines can demonstrate its commitment to human rights, inclusivity, and equal treatment,
signaling its dedication to creating a society where discrimination is unwelcome, and every
individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live with dignity and
fairness.
References:

Cheruto, K. J., (2018). Gender Inequality in Kenya. United States Intl. University
https://doi.org/10.31237/osf.io/km2zp

De Borja, S., et al., (2022). The SOGIE Equality Bill in the Philippines: Sociological Paper.
Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivyn-Ventura/publication/373805887_The_SOGIE_Equalit
y_Bill_in_the_Philippines_Sociological_Paper/links/64fd60a4d6fa5c5bc4711634/The-SOGIE-
Equality-Bill-in-the-Philippines-Sociological-Paper.pdf

Enriquez, P. A. L., (2017). How Discrimination Happens Being LGBT and the Experience of
Discrimination in Access to Employment, and the Labour Market in the Philippines. Social
Policy for Development (SPD). Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2105/41669

Media Office of Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines., (2013). Church won’t tolerate
same-sex marriage—CBCP exec. CBCP News. Retrieved 2 September 2013 from
http://www.cbcpnews.com/cbcpnews/?p=20212.

UNDP, USAID., (2014). Being LGBT in Asia: The Philippines Country Report. Bangkok