'Protecting' the rights of heterosexuals, House bill explained

by Naiara Ongkeko

November 28 –– A lawmaker from the House of Representatives has filed a bill that seeks to protect the rights of heterosexual citizens to freely express their views and ideas on homosexuality through a religious lens.

Manila 6th District Rep. and Bible Baptist pastor Bienvenido “Benny” Abante has filed House Bill 5717 stating that the State should protect heterosexuals or straight people’s right to practice their religion and convey their views and thoughts on the LGBT+ community.

Abante, being a pastor, has said that the current “legislative rights” protecting the queer community is opposing to “God’s law and standards, particularly on creation, human dignity, and morals.“

Abante claimed that heterosexuals were of actual and direct creations of God and that they should be protected and respected.

If the prohibited acts stipulated in the bill were violated, it will impose a penalty of up to seven years in prison and a minimum fine of Php 100,000.

Reyna Valmores, chairperson of LGBTQIA+ Bahaghari, slammed Abante’s bill saying it is "one clearly drafted as a mockery of those advocating for gender equality."

She has exclaimed that the bill is “a joke of the law” as she adds that “It is a waste of resources, space, and precious time better spent affirmatively addressing actual concerns of Filipinos facing discrimination and violence.”

In contrast to House Bill 5717, the SOGIE Bill has been pushed for decades in Congress to protect the rights of the citizens, which includes heterosexuals under its umbrella term, to freely express their sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics without fear of being discriminated and marginalized.

Abante has consistently opposed the bill, stating that it is not necessary to pass a law against gender discrimination. He has suggested a compromise to Congress voicing out that there should instead be an anti-discrimination law to account for all kinds of discrimination.

The CHR’s Centers for Gender Equality & Women’s Human Rights said in an earlier statement, “The current laws that we have are not sufficient to protect our LGBTQ.” Acknowledging the marginalization of one community can help address and bring awareness to their discrimination.