Women’s org urges public to end gender-biased discrimination

This, after a transgender woman was discriminated against when she entered a female restroom in a mall in Quezon City. (Shutterstock photo)

MANILA — The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) on Monday urged the public anew to end gender-biased discrimination and uphold the basic human rights of those with diverse sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE).

In a statement, PCW chairperson Rodora Bucoy said there is a serious need to look into the issues addressed by the proposed anti-discrimination campaign under SOGIE law.

This, after a transgender woman was discriminated against when she entered a female restroom in a mall in Quezon City.

“We should go beyond trying to mask the biases of that our society has over people of diverse SOGIE by poking fun at what they want themselves called,” Bukoy said.

“Instead, we should listen to legitimate issues that they are calling on our lawmakers to understand which is something as basic as being accorded the dignity and right to do something as basic as peeing or going to public places without fear of being ridiculed, humiliated, or deprived of access, ” Bucoy said.

Regardless of the SOGIE, Bucoy said all Filipinos will be able to exercise their right to life, education, employment, and expression without fear of reprisal or discrimination.

“LGBTs (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgenders) have equal human rights and the society needs to recognize their rights because as long as there is no law to protect them, they become invisible in the eyes of the law,” she said.