Renewed calls for the passage of the SOGIESC Equality Bill surfaced after alleged transphobic remarks were made by a Universidad de Manila professor against actress and comedian Awra Briguela.
The Gabriela Women’s Party said the incident highlighted the continuing discrimination, harassment, and bullying faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community, including in schools and other public institutions.
The group is pushing for the passage of House Bill 4782, or the SOGIESC Equality Bill, which seeks to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics in schools, workplaces, public spaces, and other institutions.
“Nakababahala na hanggang ngayon ay may mga guro na nagpalaganap ng transphobia at diskriminasyon laban sa LGBTQ+ community. Hindi kailanman katanggap-tanggap na gawing katatawanan o pahiyain ang isang tao dahil sa kanilang gender identity o expression,” Gabriela Rep. Sarah Elago said.
She said the measure has long been overdue, citing the daily experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals who face prejudice and unequal treatment.
“Marami pang LGBTQ+ individuals ang nakararanas ng harassment, bullying, at diskriminasyon araw-araw kaya matagal nang overdue ang pagpasa ng SOGIESC Equality Bill,” she added.
The group also expressed solidarity with Briguela and other individuals who have spoken publicly about similar experiences, saying their accounts help expose persistent bias and discrimination.
“Incidents like these should serve as a wake-up call to deepen understanding and respect for the LGBTQ+ community,” Elago said.
Advocates said the proposed law would be an important step toward protecting the dignity and rights of LGBTQ+ Filipinos, but stressed that legislation must be matched with stronger education and broader efforts to challenge discriminatory practices.
“But beyond legislation, we must also strengthen education and collective efforts to challenge deeply rooted systems and cultures of discrimination, and advance a society that upholds dignity, equality, and people’s rights,” she stressed.