Pride comes to Aklan.
The Province of Aklan passed an ordinance – the Aklan Anti-Discrimination Ordinance (Gen. Ord. No. 2025-003) – that is said to reaffirm the commitment to make equality and human dignity the cornerstone of governance and community life, thereby stressing that discrimination has no place in a compassionate and democratic society.
The 19th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan, during its 134th Regular Session held on April 21, 2025, passed the ordinance that was principally sponsored by Hon. Edmundo M. Tolentino, Jr. and co-sponsored by Hon. Jay E. Tejada.
The anti-discrimination ordinance aims to eliminate all forms of discrimination based on race, color, descent, ethnic origin, language, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, health status, physical appearance, social status, and other similar grounds.
The ordinance mandates both public and private institutions to implement measures strengthening safe and inclusive environments. It also provides for mechanisms to deal with grievances, public education campaigns, and enforcement to ensure implementation.
