Barangay Pansol in Quezon City passed on November 8 an anti-discrimination ordinance (ADO) that prohibits discrimination – at least in the barangay level – on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
This is the first anti-discrimination ordinance that solely focuses on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Other ordinances are not LGBT-centric; instead, they lump LGBT people with other minority groups, including – and among others – indigenous peoples, persons with disability/ies, religious minorities, and those with health conditions, such as HIV.
Barangay Ordinance 009, S-2008 states that “as citizens living in a democratic society, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexuals and transvestites must be given the equality of access and opportunity in all fields of human endeavor and to equitable sharing of social and economic benefits by promoting them to freely exercise the rights to which they are rightfully entitled away from any prejudice and discrimination.”
The ADO specifically prohibits discrimination in access to public service; inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in the criteria for employment; discrimination in educational institutions; reconsideration or organizational accreditation solely on the basis of SOGI; and access to private establishments and services. The ADO similarly prohibits people from ostracizing or teasing someone because of his/her SOGI.
Any violation of the ADO is punishable by a fine of P300.00.
Barangay Pansol is an awardee as the Best Barangay on Gender and Development Practice in Quezon City.
