Cebu Provincial Legislator Files Proposed Anti-discrimination Ordinance

A Cebu provincial legislator has filed before the Cebu Provincial board (PB) a proposed anti-discrimination ordinance, which imposes a minimum P3,000 fine and 30-day imprisonment for violators.

Cebu PB Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy, sponsor of the proposed ordinance, said discrimination against lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders continues to be one of the social problems.

The measure defines discrimination as “any act or conduct which withholds, excludes, restricts, curtails, demeans human dignity, or otherwise impairs the recognition, enjoyment and exercise of human rights and basic freedom in the economic, labor, social, cultural, educational or any other field of public life based on sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation or beliefs.”

“As civil sentient human beings, we are legally and morally obliged to totally eliminate discrimination and uphold social justice and mutual respect as we promote human dignity,” Sitoy said.

Some of the acts considered discrimination on the basis of religious affiliation, sex, gender identity, among others, include refusing employment of a job applicant and denying or limiting access to an employee’s opportunities for promotion, training or any other benefit that are granted to other employees; and failing to accept any person for admission as student in any public or private educational or vocational institution.

Others include refusing to provide goods or services and imposing terms and conditions as requisite for providing goods and services; ridiculing or insulting someone through verbal or written words; and refusing entry to restaurants, bars, stores, movie houses, malls and other places of entertainment and businesses.

Violators will face a fine of P3,000 and imprisonment of not more than 30 days at the discretion of the court if convicted for the first offense.

Violators will face a P4,000 fine and a six-month imprisonment for the second offense and a P5,000 fine and one-year imprisonment for the third offense. (PNA) LAP/EB/PJN