Pro-LGBTQ+ ordinance pushed

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera has proposed a comprehensive anti-discriminatory ordinance for people of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in the city.

The proposed measure was referred to the City Council’s committee on laws, ordinances, and styling as well as the committee on women and family affairs for review.

“People of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions should be recognized as a sector of society and yet, stigma and discrimination still pervade and worse, abuse and violence are left undocumented especially against people with diverse sexual orientation and gender identities,” read the proposed ordinance.

“Promoting and upholding their rights will not only enhance their freedom, welfare and dignity as humans, but will also promote social justice as a whole and will contribute to the improvement of a human rights culture in the country,” it added.

It provides that it is unlawful for any person to deny access to private or public programs and services of any person, access to public programs (e.g., health programs), activities, and services on the basis of SOGIE.

Also included in the prohibited acts are discrimination based on employment and education, gender-based sexual harassment, among others.

The city shall endeavor to ensure that discrimination is prevented and effectively addressed through a Comprehensive Diversity Anti-Discrimination Program; access to scholarships, skills, employment and livelihood opportunities; access to specific health programs; access to social welfare programs.

A Diversity Affairs for Sexual Orientation and Gender (DASOG) Commission shall be created within one year from the effectivity of the ordinance.

In coordination with the Anti-Discrimination Commission, the DASOG Commission shall be directly and primarily responsible for the implementation of the provisions of the measure.

The commission shall coordinate with law enforcement agencies wherein the latter is strongly encouraged to handle specific concerns relating to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression through existing Violence Against Women and Their Children or VAWC/human rights desk in all police stations.

Violators of the ordinance shall be penalized with a fine of P1,000, undergo a SOGIE seminar, conduct community services, or be imprisoned for three months, at the discretion of the court for first offense; a fine of P3,000, undergo a SOGIE seminar, conduct community services, or be imprisoned for six months at the discretion of the court for second offense; and a fine of P5,000 undergo a SOGIE seminar, conduct community service, or be imprisoned for one year at the discretion of the court for third and succeeding offenses.

After 60 days from its passage, the Office of the Mayor shall formulate the implementing rules and regulations of the ordinance. — GMR (FREEMAN)