Manila passes landmark anti-discrimination ordinance; LGBT personalities, community react

While the SOGIE Bill continues to stagnate at the 18^th Congress, cities all over the country continue to find ways to eliminate discrimination. And the City of Manila looks like it wants to take the lead.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno just signed a landmark ordinance that will protect the LGBTQI community from discrimination—at least within his city.

Ordinance No. 8695, known as the Manila LGBTQI Protection Ordinance of 2020, looks to “guarantee full respect of the dignity” of all citizens of Manila as well as eliminate any form of discrimination against the LGBTQI “solely on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE).”

Ito po ang kopya ng ating anti-discrimination ordinance (Ordinance No. 8695) sa Lungsod ng Maynila. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/ajvTUSZkss

— Isko Moreno Domagoso (@IskoMoreno) October 29, 2020

 

The ordinance cited 12 acts of discrimination against the LGBTQI community, some of which include denial of employment, promotion, education, and access to public programs and services, all on the basis of one’s SOGIE.

It even includes being subjected to verbal and written insults whether in person or on social media.

The ordinance also creates the city’s Gender Sensitivity and Development Council, which will oversee the implementation of Ordinance No. 8695. It will also integrate and synchronize programs, projects, and activities for the LGBTQI community, coordinate with the National Government on matters of LGBTQI rights, and conduct training and livelihood seminars for the LGBTQI community.

It also required all of Manila’s barangays to establish their own LGBTQI Desk to receive complaints and document cases of abuse against a member of the LGBTQI community.

LGBTQI personalities have lauded Isko Moreno and the city’s efforts in addressing discrimination within Manila.

Bravo Yormer @IskoMoreno 🙌👏🌈 ganyan dapat!!! https://t.co/VIQOKn3U69

— John Lapus (@KorekKaJohn) October 29, 2020

https://twitter.com/g3cafe/status/1321705950928011268

https://twitter.com/jojosaguin/status/1321699686831415296

Netizens have also welcomed the news with open arms as they congratulate not just the LGBTQI community but the City of Manila as well for its achievement.

The 🌈 after the rain!
Extremely happy to wake up to the news that Manila (finally!) has an Anti-Discrimination Ordinance 💖 that bans #discrimination based on #SOGIE. My admiration to the brave #LGBTI activists doing the work to make this a reality for the community ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾 https://t.co/rlbbHyVtQk

— Juan M Sánchez (@jmsanmarin) October 29, 2020

https://twitter.com/queeringryan/status/1321726482545217537

Boom❣️ https://t.co/O3t0ZSt3QA

— 𝓙𝓸 𝓣𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓪𝓱 ~ Author (@JoTannah) October 29, 2020

With the passing of this ordinance, the LGBTQI community might just have the push it needs for the 18^th Congress to deliver on its promise and pass the SOGIE Equality Bill.

This is the latest in the few bright moments for the LGBTQI community.

Recently, Pope Francis’s statement endorsing same-sex civil unions in the documentary Francesco made rounds once more.

The LGBTQI community lauded this as well, though critics called it a “reversal of church teachings.”