Eyeing to protect the human rights of members of minority sectors in Cagayan de Oro City, the Sangguniang Panlungsod unanimously passed an ordinance penalizing discrimination against members of the LGBTQIA community, persons with disabilities, COVID-19 patients and medical frontliners.
According to Councilor Joyleen Mercedes Balaba, who authored the “Cagayan de Oro Diversity and Equality Ordinance”, this measure “will send a strong message that discrimination has no place in the city.” She added that she, herself, saw discriminatory acts based on perceived differences – “I have seen many friends who were discriminated just because they dressed differently,” she said.
The ordinance imposes the penalties of one-year imprisonment and fines ranging from P1,000 to P10,000 for offenders.
A mediation board — called Cagayan de Oro Diversity and Equality Commission — will be formed, headed by the city mayor. The mediation board will ensure that victims would have a legal body to air their complaints.
Mayor Oscar Moreno is expected to sign the ordinance.
