by MINA MATA
#YesToSOGIEBill also makes the rounds on social media as groups and netizens express support for the bill
Various groups stood with pride as they defended the LGBTQ+ community from what they called "glaringly dangerous" comments made against the community during an online House hearing on the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) bill. (EXPLAINER: What you need to know about SOGIE)
During the online hearing held by the House committee on women and gender Equality, on Wednesday, November 4, Coalition of Concerned Families of the Philippines lawyer Lyndon Caña, for one, condemned the bill , saying that it does not provide any benefits to the “straight community.”
Caña claimed that the LGBTQ+ community has become a “super special elite class” compared to the rest of society. He added fuel to the fire by further questioning the definition of “sexual orientation” included in the bill, suggesting that necrophilia and pedophilia are sexual orientations endorsed by the LGBTQ+ community.
Similarly, House Deputy Speaker Eddie Villanueva implied during the discussion that “emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual rehabilitation” should be given to the LGBTQ+ community.
Before the session ended, Villanueva, the founder of the Jesus is Lord Church, requested a more “sensible” hearing on the bill with “respectable and credible” faith-based educators and institutions to discuss the issue.
These bitter remarks have provided no comfort to LGBTQ+ groups and allies. (READ: C’mon guys, it’s 2020: Debunking LGBTQ+ stereotypes)
In a statement, Metro Manila Pride slammed what they called the “glaringly dangerous” comments of Caña and Villanueva amid the onslaught of attacks faced by the community.
“The misinformation Atty Caña shared is glaringly dangerous: Diminishing ‘orientation, identity, expression’ as mere ‘feelings,’ as well as implying that pedophilia and necrophilia are included in the LGBTQIA+ community,” they said. Read more via Rappler
METRO MANILA PRIDE STATEMENT ON POSITIONS AGAINST THE SOGIE EQUALITY BILL
Metro Manila Pride rejects the positions and statements of Atty. Lyndon Caña of the Coalition of Concerned Families of the Philippines (CCFP), and Deputy Speaker and CIBAC party-list Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva at the 18th Congress Deliberation on SOGIE-Specific Anti-Discrimination Bills on November 4, 2020.
The misinformation Atty. Caña shared is glaringly dangerous: diminishing “orientation, identity, expression” as mere “feelings,” as well as implying that pedophelia and necrophilia are included in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Likewise, Representative Villanueva implied the need for “emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual rehabilitation” for the LGBTQIA+ community, invoking Biblical passages to demonize LGBTQIA+ persons.
As the SOGIE Equality Bill continues to face opposition for two long decades now, the violence against the community grows ever-increasing, and has become endorsed by a macho-fascist leadership, hell-bent on silencing activists and advocates, and preserving their power at the expense of marginalized communities.
Metro Manila Pride calls on all elected legislators: write, rally behind, and pass legislation that is based on, and affirms, human rights. We call on those in positions of power to recognize the continuous struggles and violence that the LGBTQIA+ community experiences day after day––and to take an active role in addressing these inequalities.
To the faithful community: open your eyes, minds, and hearts to the privileges you enjoy, and the oppressive structures that are perpetrated in the name of belief. Truly understand the letter of the bill, and honor the human rights that must be recognized by the state.
To the allies of the LGBTQIA+ community, join us in amplifying the call for equality––seek to learn, listen, and stand in solidarity with us in all opportunities, and in all aspects of society, from the home, the school, the workplace, and beyond.
To our fellow LGBTQIA+ Filipinos, let us find strength, comfort, and learning in each other, in the face of these forces that seek to deny the passing of the SOGIE Equality Bill. Together, let’s continue to make our stories and voices heard, known, and undeniable.
METRO MANILA PRIDE STATEMENT ON POSITIONS AGAINST THE SOGIE EQUALITY BILL Metro Manila Pride rejects the positions and...
Posted by Metro Manila Pride on Thursday, November 5, 2020
Let’s set the record straight about the SOGIE Equality Bill. 🏳️🌈✊🏻 Here are some FACTS debunking common myths and misconceptions on the bill. #SOGIEEqualityNow #PassADBNow
Posted by Lagablab LGBT Network on Saturday, November 21, 2020