ANGELES CITY -- Members of the City Council here have expressed support to the Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity or Expression (Sogie) bill through Resolution 7685, Series of 2017 that was passed recently.
Councilor Amos Rivera, main proponent of the resolution, said they unanimously approved the resolution in support of House Bill 4982, "an act prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression and providing penalties thereof."
Rivera cited the need for a law that will protect the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community.
“The bill will give equal opportunities to members of the LGBT community,” Rivera said.
Following the United Nation Human Rights Committee Decision in Toonen V Australia, the Sogie bill will put under the scope of the Equal Protection Clause the rights of persons with different sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, the City Council resolution stated.
“The City Council desires to manifest its support in the pursuit of initiatives and programs that seek to establish and maintain an environment free of stigma and discrimination,” it added.
The resolution was co-sponsored by Councilors Jae Vincent T. Flores, Alexander P. Indiongco, Jericho Aguas, Edgardo Pamintuan Jr., and Joseph Ponce.
Councilors Carmelo Lazatin Jr., Joseph Alfie T. Bonifacio, Danilo Lacson, and Jesus Sangil seconded the approval of the resolution, which was signed by Vice Mayor Bryan Nepomuceno and attested by City Council Secretary Eric Mendoza.
