Anne Curtis to senators who oppose SOGIE bill: It is time to stand with them

“There’s nothing more I want for them than to have equal rights as citizens of this country,” the It’s Showtime host said. (Photo: Anne Curtis/Facebook)

Joining the campaign “#LoveIsAllWeNeed” which made the rounds online recently, Anne Curtis took to Instagram her support for the SOGIE (Sexual Orientation Gender Identity and Expression) Equality Bill and appeal to the Senate to pass the measure.

The SOGIE bill, otherwise known as Anti-Discrimination Bill, seeks to protect members of the LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual) from discrimination such as denial of access to public services, health services, employment, and education.

Voting 198-0-0, the House of Representatives in September 2017 approved the said measure on its third and final reading.

Tagging Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, and Senators Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao and Joel Villanueva in an Instagram story on Tuesday, Curtis shared that her whole team, whom she treasures and spends every day with, are also part of the LGBTQIA community.

“There’s nothing more I want for them than to have equal rights as citizens of this country,” the It’s Showtime host said.

“AND to live a life that is free of discrimination and they can express themselves freely knowing that they are loved and protected by the country they call home,” she added.

Addressing the three senators who were against the anti-discrimination bill, Curtis said she is certain that they also have friends or colleagues who are part of the LGBTQIA community.

“Now is the time to stand with them and give back that same love! Big hugs po!” the actress said.

Curtis was only one of the local celebrities who rallied their support for the SOGIE bill.

Heart Evangelista, wife of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, earlier expressed her support for the bill, saying that every individual “has the right to live, work, and dream.”

She added that she and her husband are in “full support” of the measure, hoping that it will move forward and become a law.

Television host Bianca Gonzales also supported the anti-discrimination bill, saying, “Already too much hate on social media. Let’s not add to it. Because #AllYouNeedIsLove. To our nation’s senators, please support and say yes to the SOGIE bill.”

Actress Iza Calzado also said, “I want every other human being to have the same rights and privileges that I enjoy. Lahat naman tayo ay pantay-pantay, hindi po ba (We are all equal, right)? We know your kind hearts know and understand this and we will have your support too. Hugs!”

Aside from the showbiz personalities, broadcast journalist Karen Davila also joined the movement by posting a photo of herself with a rainbow pin.

Other individuals like Tim Yap, Divine Lee, Joey Mead King, Mari Jasmine, and Arnold Van Opstal also supported the bill.