Groups urge Marcos Jr. to certify SOGIE bill as urgent

Over 200 organizations, led by the Equality Alliance, urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sex Characteristics (SOGIE) bill as urgent.

Bataan Representative Geraldine Roman also joined the call, emphasizing that LGBTQIA+ individuals are part of society and contribute to the nation.

The groups described the request as a "love letter" to make equality President Marcos Jr.'s legacy.

They highlighted that the SOGIE bill aims to protect individuals from discrimination, bullying, and harassment, aligning with Executive Order No. 51.

Representative Roman clarified that the bill does not push for same-sex marriage or gender recognition for changing legal documents, nor does it violate religious freedom.

The Equality Alliance also pointed out potential economic benefits, including preventing discrimination-related costs in workplaces and improving access to healthcare and education for LGBTQIA+ individuals.