The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has lauded the Quezon City government for organizing an event for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) couples last Feb. 12.

It pointed out that the gathering was not only a celebration of their love but, more importantly, an affirmance of the city government’s Gender Fair Ordinance for the protection of their rights.

"It is commendable that the QC government consistently holds events that mainstream the plight and stories of the vulnerable LGBTQI community," CHR Spokesperson and lawyer Jacqueline Ann de Guia said in a statement.

"It is also a concrete way to support them as it helps create a safe and enabling space while empowering the said sector to assert their rights," De Guia said.

For its part, De Guia said the CHR reiterated its commitment to continuously support QC's Gender Fair Ordinance which was enacted in 2014.

Records showed the Quezon City’s ordinance is the first local policy in the country that protected the LGBTQI community from any form of discrimination such as verbal or non-verbal abuse. It also prohibited businesses from refusing to provide goods and services on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE).

After Quezon City enacted its ordinance, several other local government units (LGUs) followed suit and crafted their own anti-discrimination ordinances. These steps helped make establishments and events more inclusive of the LGBTQI community, De Guia said.

"The Commission is hopeful that this kind of support from LGUs shall pave the eventual attainment of equal rights and protection for LGBTQI members through the passage of the pending SOGIE Equality Bill," she said.

"Pending a national law, we also hope that more LGUs will implement ordinances that advance the rights and dignity of the LGBTQI sector, who are among the most vibrant and productive members of our society," she added.