Two of the largest regions in the Philippines have enacted new laws to protect LGBTIQ people in the archipelago nation.
Luzon’s Baguio City has introduced a law that promotes equality and prohibits discrimination against individuals based on sexuality and gender, as well as religion, ethnicity, age and disability.
Vice Mayor of Baguio City Edison Bilog, who pioneered the law, told Filipino media he is happy the law is finally approved.
“With the passage of this ordinance, hopefully, all forms of discrimination would now be stopped and any commission thereof will now be penalized, the rights of our citizens, including the LGBT community will now be protected,” he said.
“The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in the city has long been pushing for the passage of the local ordinance to be able to have equal protection from all forms of abuse and discrimination.”
Those who break the new law could face a jail term of up to 30 days, or a fine of approximately $19 to $99 USD.
Dinagat Island Province has also passed a similar bill, and will also form a council to review accusations of discriminatory behaviour.
OIP Staff
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