Yesterday, Philippine Congress approved a bill that protects the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.
On the third and final reading of House Bill No. 4982 or the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression Equality (SOGIE) bill, 198-0 of the representatives voted in favor of it; no one abstained.
The bill states that those who discriminate based on gender can be fined anywhere from PHP100,000 (US$2,000) to PHP500,000 (US$10,000) and/or imprisoned for not less than one year and not more than 6 years. The court can also impose community service like human rights education to those found guilty.
SOGIE also includes plans for government programs and policies that “seek to establish and maintain an environment free of stigma and discrimination.”
These programs include requiring government agencies, private companies, and educational institutions to establish diversity programs that will teach human rights, gender sensitivity, and awareness.
Incentives and awards will also be given to media projects that empower and defend the LGBT community.
A similar bill authored by Senator Risa Hontiveros is pending in the Senate.
