Rainbow bright.
The Province of Dinagat Islands passed an anti-discrimination ordinance that specifically eyes to promote and protect the rights and dignity of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons; and providing for a comprehensive policy against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.
Provincial Ordinance No. BBE2-007 was authored by Noli Abis with Annabel Pinat Pelismino and Charlemagne Vargas; and was approved by acting governor Benglen B. Ecleo.
The ADO prohibits: 1) discrimination in employment and the workplace; 2) discrimination in education and in institutions offering the same; 3) discrimination in delivery of goods and services; 4) discrimination in public accommodation; 5) discrimination in issuance of licenses, clearances, certifications and similar documents; 6) discrimination through verbal or non-verbal ridicule or vilification; 7) harassment, unjust detention and involuntary confinement; and 8) discrimination through disallowance from entry and refusal of service.
Penalties for discriminatory acts include imprisonment of no less than 60 days and/or fine of P1,000 to P5,000.
To ensure that the ADO becomes effective, plans mandated in the ordinance include development of anti-discrimination modules, creation of gender-inclusive lavatories, conducting gender sensitivity trainings, provision of counseling services to LGBT people in need, provision of legal representation, organization of grassroots LGBT organizations in the barangay level, and creation of an anti-discrimination council that will oversee all ADO-related complaints.
The Province of Dinagat Islands was created from the Province of Surigao del Norte in 2006. It is composed of the municipalities of Basilisa, Cagdianao, Dinagat, Libjo (Albor), Loreto, San Jose and Tubajon. The capital town and seat of government of the province is the Municipality of San Jose.
