AUGUST 28, 2019 – The sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE) equality bill being pushed by LGBTQ+ advocates does not suppress the freedom of religion but empowers it, transwoman Gretchen Diez stressed on Tuesday amid criticisms against the proposed measure.
In an interview with One News’ The Chiefs , Diez asserted the anti-discrimination measure grants equal freedom and accountability to everybody, contrary to claims that it only serves the interests of their community.
“When it comes to suppressing religion, I think instead of suppressing religion, it is empowering religion because of the word equality. That means your religion cannot be stronger than my religion. We should respect each other’s religion,” Diez said.
“It’s just giving avenue for a two-way conversation to help each other understand better,” she added.
Naomi Fontanos, the president of Gender and Development Advocates (GANDA) Filipinas, also shared the same sentiment and said they will not support a version of the bill that contradicts a constitutional right.
“The SOGIE equality bill affirms the right of people to practice their religion,” Fontanos said.
But she likewise reminded that the Constitution mandates the separation of Church and State.
“We do not legislate laws using the Quoran or the Bible. We do not use religion as basis of our public policies because we also don’t want to discriminate other people’s faiths and we don’t want to show preference to a particular faith when we pass policy or when we push for laws,” Fontanos said.
Calls to pass the anti-discrimination measure in Congress intensified after Diez was apprehended and barred from using the ladies’ restroom at Farmers Market in Cubao, Quezon City.
Malacañang expressed support for the bill, but lawmakers are divided on its passage. Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the SOGIE equality bill has “no chance if it transgresses on academic freedom, religious freedom, and women’s rights.” (Karen Macalalad/ AAD)
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