Philippine Anti-Discrimination Alliance of Young Leaders (PANTAY) called on the Senate to urgently hear the SOGIE Equality Bill and champion its passage to protect and empower youth.
The organization linked the struggle to fight for the passage of an anti-discrimination law to the Filipino participation in the 2024 Olympics, which hosted the largest number of openly LGBTQ+ athletes competing at 193, including bronze medalists Nesthy Petecio and Hergie Bacyadan of the Philippines.
“Our first gold is from Hidilyn Diaz, a woman competing in weightlifting. Now, our second and third from Carlos Yulo, a man in gymnastics. The power that this message holds. Do not limit the opportunities for Filipino kids just because of gender stereotypes,” PANTAY convenor Vince Liban said.
“The Olympics has shown us how excellence can emerge when we enable young people to pursue their dreams free from prejudice and gender stereotypes.”
Celebrating diversity
For Liban, “diverse individuals and families have always existed in the Philippines, building talents and raising the next generation of Filipinos. For us to empower young champions including queer young people, our senators need to champion the SOGIE Equality Bill in the plenary.”
The SOGIE Equality Bill, a bill that seeks to protect Filipinos from SOGIE-based discrimination and violence, has been languishing in the legislative since 2000. In February 2023, the committee report was remanded to the Senate committee on rules after opposition from religious groups.
Youth’s call for equality is loud and clear
According to PANTAY, the youth’s “support and clamor for the SOGIE Equality Bill” was demonstrated by the “overwhelming turnout of 212,000 individuals” to the Pride celebration in Quezon City.
“We hope the senate will make it its legacy to pass the SOGIE Equality Bill so that the next generation of talents can bring home pride not only to their families and communities but also the country,” Liban said.
“We call upon individuals, organizations, and other policymakers to continue to make their voices heard, and participate in efforts in their communities and on the national level to make Equality a reality for all.”
To date, Gender Fair and Anti-Discrimination Ordinances have been enacted in various cities and municipalities nationwide, 11 provinces, 24 municipalities and 43 cities as of June 30, 2024, with youth and LGBTQI+ organizations continuing to push for measures that combat discrimination and promote equality for all.
