Amid divisiveness of the SOGIE bill among various groups, Malacañang emphasized Thursday that President Rodrigo Duterte supports said measure that ensures equal rights to all regardless of their sexual orientation.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the president backs the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill and civil union to protect same-sex couples.
“Itong SOGIE bill naman ay itinataguyod din ang karapatan na maging pantay-pantay ang lahat ng Pilipino, suportado rin iyan ng Presidente,” he said in a press briefing on Thursday, November 5.
“Sang-ayon po siya sa na magkaroon ng batas na iiral doon sa relasyon ng kaparehong kasarian.”
[The SOGIE bill fights for equal rights, this is supported by the President. He agrees that there should be a law to protect same-sex relationships.]
However, Roque clarified that Duterte is still against same-sex marriages, whether it be a church or civil wedding, but supports civil union between same-sex couples. According to him, it gives the same legal rights without the title of a “marriage.”
Despite his support, Duterte will not interfere in a matter that concerns the Congress, Roque said.
Debates on the bill were ignited again online after the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality continued its deliberations on the controversial bill on Wednesday.
