DND seeks exemption of military in SOGIE equality bill’s implementation

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 22) – The Department of National Defense wants the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to be exempted from the implementation of an anti-discrimination bill on the basis of one’s sexual orientation and gender identity expression (SOGIE) should it become a law.

Lawyer Arjay Lim, head of the DND Legislative Division, expressed concern Wednesday that the definition of discrimination under the pending SOGIE equality bills are \”too broad\” and could affect the military’s policies.

During the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality’s hearing on the SOGIE equality bills, Lim said that while the DND and AFP do not discriminate against applicants to the military service, qualifications and standards must be observed in selecting soldiers.

Lim said the SOGIE equality bills could have \”unnecessary effects on the actual enlistment process,\” such as the allocation of quotas for a particular group.

He cited the SOGIE equality bill filed by Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman as an example of a discriminatory practice.

Section 5 of House Bill 222 states the inclusion of one’s sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) and its disclosure in the criteria for hiring, promotion, transfer, designation, work assignment, reassignment, and dismissal of workers, among others.

\”We respectfully request that the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the establishment responsible for upholding the sovereignty and defending the territory of the Republic of the Philippines, be given an exemption to its application,\” Lim said.

\”We find that the discriminatory practices as defined in the pending bills, particularly in entering military service, wherein members of the LGBTQIA+ should have access to military service, are deemed unnecessary,\” he added.

Roman, who chairs the House panel tackling the SOGIE equality bills, said the measures do not aim to meddle with or change the military’s recruitment practices.

She said the observance of a factor that’s relevant to the nature of a certain job cannot be considered discriminatory.

According to Roman, she was the first transgender military officer and reservist of the AFP, with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

However, Lim said the \”definition of discrimination is kind of broad. That’s why we’re apprehensive about it, that it might amend our policies.\”

Roman said the House panel would consider the military’s concerns in its discussion on the SOGIE equality bills. She told Lim to submit concrete suggestions on how to address the DND and AFP’s apprehensions on the legislative measures.