Abstract

Using a quantitative-qualitative approach, the researcher conducted a survey in understanding

the perceptions of the first year law students of Rizal Memorial Colleges towards the very
controversial SOGIE Bill. From the data gathered, it was shown that out of the 25 respondents,
17 students (68%) were not in favour of the bill and only 8 (32%) were in favour. Among those
who were in favour, 100% of them contended that that the bill will help combat discrimination
towards the LGBT community. Meanwhile, 47% of those who were not in favour contended that
the said bill may be unconstitutional as it will transgress other people’s rights.

I. Introduction

The Anti-Discrimination Act, or more popularly known as the SOGIE Bill, is an act that seeks to
prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression
(SOGIE).1

Article III Section 1 of the Constitution provides that “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty,
or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied equal protection of
laws.”2

The State is believed to recognize the fundamental right of every person, regardless of sex,
age, class, status, ethnicity, colour, disability, religious and political beliefs, sexual orientation or
gender identity. Therefore, in order for its people to be free from any form of discrimination, it
must intensify its efforts to fulfil its duties under international and domestic laws. 3

At the present time, the bill in itself has become a controversy causing a clash of opinions
among people. It is for the same reason that the researcher of this paper has found it necessary
to know and understand people’s perception towards the said bill which seeks to promote
equality and combat discrimination.

With the first year law students of Rizal Memorial Colleges as respondents, the following
problems were answered: (1) How many were in favour of SOGIE Bill?, (2) How many were not
in favor of SOGIE Bill?, (3) What was the most common reason for those who were in favour of
SOGIE Bill?, and (4) What was the most common reason for those who were not in favour of
SOGIE Bill?

II. Methodology

This study made use of a quantitative-qualitative approach in identifying people’s perception of

the SOGIE Bill. To gather the necessary data, a survey was conducted with the use of a
questionnaire where the following questions were asked: (1) Are you in favour of the SOGIE
Bill? and (2) Why are you in favour / not in favour of the SOGIE Bill?

Upon retrieving the questionnaires from the respondents, the researcher analysed the
responses and tallied the data according to the number of those in favour, not in favour, and the
most common reasons.

III. Findings
Only 25 students have agreed to take the survey. Out of the 25 respondents, 17 or 68% were
not in favour of the bill and only 8 (32%) were in favour. Among those who were in favour, 100%
of them contended that that the bill will help combat discrimination towards the LGBT
community. One of the respondents said that “the bill will create broader scope in equality and
safety other than local ordinances provided before.” Meanwhile, 47% of those who were not in
favour contended that the said bill may be unconstitutional as it will transgress other people’s
rights. One mentioned that the bill “would violate many rights especially for women.”

IV. Conclusion

In conclusion, majority of the first year law students of Rizal Memorial Colleges are not in favour
of the SOGIE Bill. Most objections were based on the constitutional aspect of the bill of which
other people’s right has to be taken in consideration.

References
1
Anti-Discrimination Act, S.B. 1271, 17th Cong. (2018)
2
1987 Phil. Const. art. III, § 1
3
Anti-Discrimination Act, S.B. 1271, 17th Cong. (2018)