What is the SOGIE bill and why is it in urgent need of passing?

the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality Bill or Senate Bill No. 1934. or in short SOGIE Equality Bill, is meant to fulfill the rights set forth in the 1987 constitution, particularly the equal protection clause. It recognizes the LGBTQ+ as equals and ensures that their rights are protected in as much as everyone’s is. It also acknowledges the Philippine duties under international law(Universal Declaration of Human Rights atbp.) recognizing the non-discrimination of LGBTQ+ as both national and international duty.

The Bill defines the denial of rights to the LGBTQ+ community on the basis of their SOGIE, such as their right to access public services, right to use establishments and services including housing, and right to apply for a professional license, among others, as discriminatory and unlawful. Children under parental authority are given particular attention in the bill, as the prevention of the expression of their SOGIE will also be penalized. Any act of harassment or coercion directed to the LGBTQ+ is a discriminatory act under the SOGIE.

Commission of any of the said acts will be meted out a fine of one hundred thousand to five hundred thousand pesos (P100,000 to P500,000) or a prison sentence of one to six years (1 to 6 years), or both. Additionally, the court may impose community service in the form of attendance In human rights education.

The bill is not only punitive but more importantly, is preventive. A SOGIE Equality Oversight Committee shall be created to effectively implement the Act.

The first version of the SOGIE Equality Bill was filed in the 11th Congress by the late Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Akbayan Rep. Etta Rosales. Pending for NINETEEN YEARS, but is now coming to fruition in the 17th Congress through the ardent efforts of Bataan 1st District Representative Geraldine Roman, Diwa Party List Representative Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, and Dinagat Islands Representative Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao.

The bill passed its third reading in the 17th Congress in 2017, The bill passed its third reading in the 17th Congress in 2017, however, he fights for equality still continues as staunch advocate Sen. Risa Hontiveros sponsored it once more in December 2020

--- “The SOGIE Equality Bill | DivinaLaw,” December 9, 2021. https://www.divinalaw.com/news-and-updates/sogie-equality-bill/

WHY IS SAME-SEX MARRIAGE URGENT?

Same-sex marriage is not only for weddings and vows, it is a legal right for their partners and their rights to own their own children recognized as two partners in custody.

Allowing same-sex marriage would enable gays and lesbians in the Philippines to marry the person they love and would strengthen everyone’s rights. From a human rights perspective, broadening civil marriage to couples of the same sex demonstrates respect for the fundamental rights of equality and nondiscrimination. It should be enshrined in Philippine law.

Same-sex couples across the country are less likely to have health insurance and are more likely to delay or forgo medical care.

Two studies found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults who married following the California Supreme Court ruling in favor of same-sex marriage reported less psychological distress and were more likely to gain health insurance coverage.

The health benefits from legal same-sex marriage extend beyond the adults themselves – particularly to the 220,000 children in the United States being raised by same-sex parents. Employers who offer health insurance to dependent children often require minors to be related to the employee by birth, legal marriage, or legal adoption. Thus, children are left with diminished protections in states that do not allow legal marriages or adoptions for lesbian and gay couples.

A study recently reported in Pediatrics found that children with same-sex parents were less likely to have private health insurance than children with heterosexual parents. The study also found that disparities in private insurance coverage diminished for children of same-sex parents living in states with marriage equality or laws supporting gay and lesbian adoptions.

The path towards same-sex marriage may follow two steps in more conservative states or states controlled by Republican lawmakers and administrations. Initially, states may adopt civil unions or comprehensive domestic partnerships that include full spousal rights and protections for members of gay and lesbian partnerships – to be followed later by full marriage equality by legislation or court rulings.

Regardless of which path states follow toward equality, the health benefits associated with same-sex marriage cannot be overlooked. These benefits should always be highlighted as debates continue in legislative chambers, election contests, and federal and state courtrooms.

---- “Why Same-Sex Marriage Is Important for Good Health | Scholars Strategy Network,” December 9, 2021. https://scholars.org/contribution/why-same-sex-marriage-important-good-health