LIVE: Senate hearing on SOGIE Equality Bill

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality is set to conduct its second public hearing into the anti-discrimination bill, also called the Sexual, Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression Equality Bill.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, chair of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality will lead the resumption of the hearings.

During the first inquiry last August 20, the Senate panel deliberated on provisions of the proposed anti-discrimination bill. Hontiveros also gave an overview of the people's different gender identities, sexual orientation, and expressions by educating the public on these matters.

The hearing also tackled how the public would respond to practical issues like the use of public spaces including public toilets.

The issue on gender and public spaces made headlines after transgender woman Gretchen Diez was barred from using the women's comfort room of a mall in Quezon City.

Diez was also handcuffed and arrested by police personnel.

This incident sparked outrage among LGBTs and allies, prompting renewed hearings on the SOGIE bill.

Watch the Senate inquiry LIVE. It starts at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019.