The Foggy SOGIE

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community is one of the most discriminated groups around the world. Since then, they are fighting for their rights just like the different races and women do struggle on attaining the things that they deserve. It is no doubt that most of the stories under the said group had experiences of discrimination, abuse, and violence. And as the time passes by, they have been more vocal in expressing how they should be treated. Meanwhile, Filipinos are known to be very sensitive about this topic and raising the SOGIE Equality bill received mixed opinions. But what is this SOGIE bill really about? How do most Filipinos view it, especially the Catholics? Can this law help the said community on achieving the equality they want or will it just give them special treatments?

Just to have a background, at the latter part of August until the first weeks of September, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill has been the talk of the country once again. After the experience of a transwoman being hindered on using the female’s comfort room, this law has gained more attention which resulted in different perceptions. Some people see this law as a way of violating the freedom of religion and on how they live out their faith. In addition, it can be dangerous as sexual predators can easily pretend as if they are part of the said community and do things and just act up in the end. To clear out, this proposed bill aims on having equal access to the basic services, especially rights that they should have in the first place. It does not include same-sex marriages which most of the people are worrying about wherein misconceptions usually occur.

As one of the countries that have the most number of Catholics, the opinion of the Church alongside their beliefs will also have an important role. And as a Catholic, there’s nothing wrong about fighting for anyone else’s rights, especially for the LGBT Community’s rights. As for a Catholic nun named Sister Mary John Mananzan, she stated:

“As a religious woman I believe in respect, compassion, and reverence for all persons because they were all made in the image and likeness of God.”

Also the Vice President of Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David has shared that the CBCP is supporting the proposed bill and do recognize the LGBT community. Even though in Genesis 1:27 said “(So) God created human beings, making them to be like himself. He created them male and female.” The content of the bible has relentlessly reminded about loving your neighbors numerous times, whether he/she is your friend or your enemy, you like him/her or despise him/her, the Galatians 5:14 will always serve as a reminder that,

“(For) the whole Law is summed up in one commandment: Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

So will the SOGIE Equality Bill treat these people as if they are having a coronation alongside their special awards (incentives) in a pageant? No. Despite the fact that there are other laws that do have the same point, or anti-discrimination laws, try asking yourself from, “Why do these people still fight for these things?” down to “Why are these things still occurring and are not lessened?” As for what Helen Keller said, “Science may have found a cure for most evils; but it has found no remedy for the worst of them all ---the apathy of human beings.” Instead of helping each other on having their best experience of life, people do tend to hate each other or become threatened by what the others are fighting for. Meanwhile, every law will definitely undergo in a process to make sure most of the people or the senate will agree. Thus, it will be surprising if a nation will immediately agree about something that for sure will affect their lifestyle, principles, and most importantly the future of their country. So this issue will be definitely a tough and long one. As for the last reminder, please do take note of James 4:12 that,

“God is the only lawgiver and judge. He alone can save and destroy. Who do you think you are, to judge your fellow-man?”

Sofia Ava Francesca C. Estrada | Regina Lucis High School