The SOGIESC BILL through the Structuration Lens of Anthony Giddens.

 

INTRODUCTION

The SOGIE Equality Bill represents a pivotal piece of legislation in the Philippines, aimed at safeguarding individuals from discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. This legislative effort has been a long-standing issue, with its initial version introduced over 23 years ago during the 14th Congress.

The SOGIE Equality Bill acknowledges that LGBTQIA+ individuals in the Philippines disproportionately face inequalities and discrimination. It strives to ensure equal opportunities and access to essential social services, employment, education, healthcare, and legal protections for all, regardless of SOGIE. Despite its noble objectives, the bill has encountered significant delays and opposition, primarily from conservative religious groups who perceive it as a threat to "Filipino values."

From a sociological standpoint, the discourse surrounding the SOGIE Equality Bill can be examined through Anthony Giddens' theory of structuration. Giddens' theory posits that social structures, including cultural norms and institutional practices, both enable and constrain individual agency. In the context of the SOGIE Equality Bill, the conflict manifests as a struggle between the LGBTQIA+ community's push for equal rights and the resistance from conservative religious and political factions’ intent on preserving existing social structures that marginalize this community.

 The religious majority in the Philippines has effectively "weaponized" the concept of religious freedom to oppose the SOGIE Equality Bill. They argue that the bill discriminates against their beliefs and imposes "special rights" on the LGBTQIA+ community. This tactic of weaponizing religious freedom is a common strategy employed by conservative groups to defend their values and resist social progress on issues related to gender and sexuality.

Additionally, the proliferation of disinformation and false narratives about the SOGIE Equality Bill has been a significant impediment to its passage. Anti-SOGIE disinformation networks have actively spread misinformation, further fueling opposition and stalling the bill's progress in the Philippine Congress. This spread of false information exacerbates the challenges faced by advocates of the bill and undermines efforts to foster an informed and rational public debate.

The SOGIE Equality Bill holds the potential to address systemic discrimination and inequalities faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in the Philippines. However, its progress has been thwarted by the entrenched conflict between the push for equality by the LGBTQIA+ community and the resistance from conservative religious and political factions. These factions seek to maintain the existing social structures that perpetuate marginalization.

Analyzing this issue through the lens of Giddens' theory of structuration reveals the complex power dynamics and competing interests at play. It underscores the need for continued advocacy and a steadfast commitment to upholding human rights and social justice. As Filipino society grapples with these challenges, the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill remains a critical step towards achieving genuine equality and inclusivity.

 THE STRUCTURATION THEORY AND IT'S APPLICATION TO THE TRENDS OF SOGIESC BILL

     In the Philippines, the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Bill has been a major and contentious topic, reflecting larger cultural tensions and changes. The purpose of this law is to advance equality and human rights for the LGBTQ+ community by addressing and preventing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. Through the use of Anthony Giddens' structuration theory, the SOGIE Bill may be examined in a way that offers a thorough comprehension of the dynamic interaction between social institutions and individual agency that shapes this issue in Filipino society.

Structuration Theory and the SOGIE Bill

Anthony Giddens’ structuration theory emphasizes the duality of structure, asserting that social structures both shape and are shaped by the practices they organize. In the context of the SOGIE Bill, social norms and institutional practices concerning gender and sexuality have historically marginalized the LGBTQ+ community. These structures are deeply entrenched in Filipino society, influenced by a confluence of cultural, religious, and political factors. For instance, conservative religious doctrines often perpetuate traditional gender roles, while political frameworks may lack robust protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. Despite these entrenched norms, individuals and groups advocating for the SOGIE Bill are exercising their agency to challenge and transform these discriminatory structures. Through persistent advocacy, education campaigns, and legal efforts, they aim to reshape societal attitudes and institutional practices towards greater equality and inclusivity. This involves not only pushing for legislative change but also fostering a cultural shift that recognizes and respects the rights of all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The ongoing struggle illustrates the dynamic interplay between structure and agency, highlighting the potential for social change even in the face of deeply rooted opposition.

Social Practices and Institutional Resistance

The regularized social practices that discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals are evident in various aspects of Filipino life, from workplace discrimination to social stigmatization. These practices are perpetuated by existing societal rules and resources, including traditional beliefs and legal frameworks that reinforce exclusionary norms. For example, LGBTQ+ individuals often face barriers to employment, education, and healthcare, and are subjected to prejudice and hostility in public and private spheres.

Giddens’ structuration theory posits that these structures are not static; they are continuously produced and reproduced through human action. This means that while discriminatory practices are deeply entrenched, they are also subject to change through active human agency. Proponents of the SOGIE Bill are actively engaging in social practices that seek to redefine the societal rules and resources related to gender and sexuality. They aim to institutionalize equality and non-discrimination through legislative change and cultural shifts.

 Advocates of the SOGIE Bill are working to challenge and transform these discriminatory structures by raising awareness, lobbying for legislative reforms, and fostering a more inclusive cultural narrative. This involves educational campaigns to combat myths and stereotypes about LGBTQ+ individuals, legal battles to secure rights and protections, and community-building efforts to support those affected by discrimination. Through these actions, they are not only pushing for the passage of the SOGIE Bill but also striving to create a society where equality and human rights are fundamental principles respected by all.

The dynamic interplay between structure and agency highlighted by Giddens’ theory underscores the potential for social change. By actively engaging in practices that challenge the status quo, proponents of the SOGIE Bill demonstrate that even deeply rooted societal norms and institutionalized discrimination can be transformed. This ongoing struggle illustrates the power of collective action and the importance of continued advocacy in the pursuit of social justice and equality for all.

Power Dynamics and Reflexivity

    Power dynamics are at the heart of the discourse surrounding the SOGIE Bill in the Philippines, and this struggle is deeply personal to many within the LGBTQ+ community. Individuals in positions of authority—such as religious leaders and conservative politicians—often wield their influence to resist changes that challenge traditional social structures. They mobilize resources and public opinion, framing the SOGIE Bill as a threat to "Filipino values." This powerful opposition is evident in the consistent delays and robust resistance the bill faces in the legislative process, despite being introduced multiple times over the years.

    For many in the LGBTQ+ community, this fight is intensely personal. They understand the stakes because they live them every day. Their reflexivity—their capacity to reflect on their conditions and act upon them—enables them to strategize and mobilize support effectively. This concept of reflexivity, as described by Anthony Giddens, involves understanding their social environment and using that understanding to drive change. LGBTQ+ advocates exemplify this as they build coalitions, engage in public education campaigns, and lobby lawmakers. These efforts are about more than just passing a bill; they aim to change hearts and minds.

    Advocates organize rallies, launch social media campaigns, and hold educational forums to raise awareness about the importance of the SOGIE Bill and the need for equal rights. They are not merely pushing for legislative change; they are fighting to shift public opinion and cultural norms. Their goal is to create a society where everyone is respected and protected, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

    This struggle highlights the dynamic interplay between power and agency. While those in authority may resist efforts to change traditional structures, the persistent and strategic efforts of LGBTQ+ advocates demonstrate the power of grassroots movements. The ongoing fight for the SOGIE Bill's passage is a testament to the resilience and determination of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. It underscores the critical importance of continued advocacy and activism in the pursuit of social justice and equality. This battle is not just a legislative one; it reflects the collective hopes for a more inclusive and equitable future.

    Despite the growing visibility and support for LGBTQ+ rights, the SOGIE Bill faces significant hurdles in the Philippines. Cultural and religious conservatism remains a powerful force in Filipino society, frequently framing LGBTQ+ identities as incompatible with societal values. This cultural resistance is reinforced by political structures that are slow to adapt to changing social attitudes, creating a challenging environment for the bill's advancement.

    The deep-seated conservatism manifests in various ways, from public opinion shaped by religious teachings to political leaders who rely on conservative support bases. These factors contribute to a social and political landscape where efforts to pass the SOGIE Bill are met with considerable opposition. The bill's proponents often face arguments that equate the recognition of LGBTQ+ rights with a threat to traditional Filipino values, making it difficult to garner widespread legislative support.

    Moreover, the debate surrounding the SOGIE Bill highlights broader issues of human rights and social justice in the Philippines. It brings to the forefront the necessity of a more inclusive approach to policymaking that recognizes and protects the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This includes addressing the systemic inequalities and discrimination that LGBTQ+ individuals face in various aspects of life, from employment and education to healthcare and legal protection.

     The ongoing struggle for the SOGIE Bill’s passage underscores the urgent need for societal and institutional change. It calls for a shift in both cultural attitudes and political will to embrace diversity and uphold human rights. As the bill’s advocates continue their efforts, the broader implications of their fight resonate, highlighting the essential role of inclusive policies in building a just and equitable society.

 

REFERENCES: 

David, E. J. R. (2013). Brown Skin, White Minds: Filipino-/American Postcolonial Psychology. Information Age Publishing.

Giddens, A. (1984). The Constitution of Society: Outline of the Theory of Structuration. University of California Press.

Human Rights Watch. (2021). "Philippines: Uphold Rights of LGBT People." Retrieved from Human Rights Watch.

Punongbayan, JC."[In This Economy] Why the SOGIE equality bill is a step toward a more just Philippines"Rappler. JUN 17, 2024 https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/in-this-economy-why-sogie-equality-bill-step-toward-more-just-philippines/

Sandoval, M. (2020). "SOGIE Bill and the Philippine Congress: An Analysis of Legislative Deliberation and Social Advocacy." Journal of Philippine Social Policy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SOGIE_Equality_Bill

https://www.amnesty.org.ph/2023/06/pass-the-sogie-equality-law-now/

https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/disinformation-sogie-bill-spreads-filipino-queers-face-real-world-discrimination

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351905235_THE_FIGHT_FOR_EQUALITY_The_Advancement_of_SOGIE_Equality_Bill_in_the_Philippines