THOUSANDS of members of Christian groups massed outside the Senate to protest the anti-discrimination bill which calls for protection for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.
The Coalition of Christians for Righteousness, Justice, and Truth (CCRJT) led by Jesus Is Lord founder Bro. Eddie Villanueva submitted a manifesto stating their opposition to the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (Sogie) Equality bill.
Villanueva said the mere introduction of the bill punishing discrimination over a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE) violates the 1987 Constitution.
The group also argued that the SOGIE bill is “discriminatory” against those who do not agree with the LGBT community.
Meanwhile Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said that at least 15 of the 24 senators will vote against the bill.
With certainty, Sotto reiterated, the bill would not get the approval of the Senate, citing the existence of laws that protect not only one sector, but every Filipino.
“We can safely say, and we have studied this proposition already, there’s no need for it. It’s a redundancy,” Sotto said.
“All Filipinos and everyone in the Philippines are equally protected by equal rights and all the rights that are given any individual in the Philippines,” he added.
“There are enough laws that cover that particular issue that they are talking about,” Sotto further said
“Yes, yes na yes. As a matter of fact, you will be surprised that some of them, I will not name names but when proper time comes. Great majority. I would say at least 15,” Sotto said when asked if the measure would not pass the chamber.
