SM Supermalls To Roll Out All Gender Restrooms
SM SUPERMALL – The biggest mall chain in the Philippines is taking a leap towards gender-inclusiveness as they begin to roll out their All Gender restrooms.
SM said it would install their All Gender Restrooms in their premier malls. These included SM Mall of Asia, SM City North EDSA, SM Megamall, Aura Premier, The Podium and SM Seaside in Cebu.
A portion of the statement read:
“With inclusivity and innovation at the core of everything we do, we endeavor to create spaces where all shoppers are welcome“
They also stated that their malls already served as the third home of Filipinos after work and school. That’s why SM wanted to provide a safe community space that advocates inclusivity.
SM Supermalls wanted to show equality and respect for all. This is regardless of gender expression, identity, or sexual orientation.
All Gender Restroom has been highly debated in the Philippines. Although, Quezon City already had an existing Gender-Fair Ordinance.
The Ordinance aimed to protect the members of the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination. The ordinance was passed in 2014 and pushed for establishments of all-gender bathroom facilities.
However, some people like Senate President Vicente Sotto III have stated that restrooms are biology-based. Sotto has also been very vocal about his opposition to the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill.
The Philippines, being the predominantly catholic country that it is, is very unlikely to pass such a controversial bill. Although, advocate groups and some Senators continue the fight for equality.
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