MANILA, Philippines – Thousands of members from various Christian groups, led by the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) movement, trooped outside the Senate to protest the anti-discrimination bill which protects the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.

The Coalition of Christians for Righteousness, Justice, and Truth (CCRJT) said the mere introduction of the bill punishing discrimination over a person's sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE) violates the 1987 Constitution.

The group said homosexuality is a sin according to the Bible and that existing laws are sufficient to protect all Filipinos, including members of the LGBT community, from discrimination.

The protesters also argued that the SOGIE bill is "discriminatory" against those who do not agree with the LGBT community.

They added that the measure seeks to pave the way for same-sex unions.

"Same-sex marriage is an abomination to God. The Bible is so clear about the man marrying another man. This will invite kinds of curses that we cannot contain in our generation," JIL founder Brother Eddie Villanueva told reporters.

"As we have said, the LGBT people, they can continue [with] their lifestyle. We don't interfere but they should not allow the non-believers of their lifestyle to accept their ways that will pave the way for eventual destruction of the Filipino culture and values," he added. Read more via the Rappler