Nanawagan ang isang multisectoral at intersectional support for equality and non-discrimination group ang Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso para ipasa na ang panukalang Equality Bill.
Ayon kay PANTAY Executive Director Rye Manuzon, panahon na para ipasa ang panukalang batas para mabigyang proteksyon ang bawat isa.
Kabilang sa grupo ang labor rights unions, women’s rights groups, at allied companies.
Layunin ng House Bill 4982 o “Equality Bill” na mabigyang proteksyon ang mga Filipino sa diskriminasyon base sa sexual orientation, gender identity, at expression (SOGIE).
Malugod naman na tinanggap ni Bataan 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman, ang pangunahing awtor ng panukalang batas ang panawagan ng grupo.
“The overflowing support from these allied groups is key to heightening awareness that gender-related rights benefit everyone. And, the recognition of these rights is a requisite to achieving a Philippine society that treats all of its citizens with dignity and respect,” pahayag ng namumuno sa House Committee on Women and Gender Equality.
“Having workers and women as equality allies is pivotal to the struggle for gender equality. This is a reminder that equality is for all — that everyone plays a part in fighting for a just and equal society where everyone can live without fear and discrimination,” sabi naman ni Manuzon.
Hindi maikakaila ayon sa grupo na ilang Filipino ang nakararanas pa rin ng diskriminasyon.
Nagpahayag ng suporta ang Embahada ng Canada ang isinusulong ng grupo.
“Collective effort is vital to achieving a collective dream where diversity, equality, inclusion, and human rights are championed locally and globally in all facets of life,” pahayag ni Canadian Embassy Head of Political and Public Affairs Colin Townson, na hinangaan ang dedikasyon ng PANTAY.
Ilan sa mga “Equality Champions” sa Kongreso sina Reps. Ma. Rene Ann Lourdes Matibag, Bai Dimple Mastura, Arlene Brosas, at France Castro.