To improve gender inclusivity in the city, the Pasig City local government has approved two ordinances upholding LGBTQ+ rights in the city.
The LGBTQ+ Comprehensive Anti-discrimination Ordinance of Pasig 2022 and the establishment of the Pasig City Pride Development Council (PRIDE Council) were approved and signed by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto last March 17.
Copies of the signed ordinances were released by the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Pasig on Wednesday, April 20, on their Facebook page.
The LGBTQ+ Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Ordinance of Pasig 2022, authored by Councilor Rhichie Gerard T. Brown, provides measures that will prevent discrimination, harassment and other acts of violence against people on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE).
It also aims to provide equal opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals to seek support and protection, as well as enhance their participation in the city's development process.
The ordinance prohibits verbal and non-verbal abuse, vilification, harassment, threats, and other unjust acts such as detention or confinement against LGBTQ+ persons in all areas in the city.
In terms of employment, LGBTQ+ individuals should not be denied or given limited rights to trainings, recruitment, promotions, and other company benefits in either public or private establishments.
They must not be excluded from labor unions or other organizations.
Schools must not delay, refuse, or fail the admission applications of prospective LGBTQ+ students, and expel or dismiss students on the basis of their SOGIE.
According to the ordinance, all schools within the territorial jurisdiction of Pasig must create their own gender-inclusive and non-discriminatory policies within the year of the ordinance's approval.
Accommodation areas such as apartments, condominiums, and hotels must not refuse or limit access to services and benefits.
Licenses and certifications must not be withheld from LGBTQ+ applicants who wish to set up their own business.
All LGBTQ+ individuals are entitled to equal access to health care services and facilities, health insurance, and other goods or services offered by the local government or the private sector.
Discriminatory acts against individuals who cross-dress are also prohibited as per the ordinance.
The local government aims to utilize a "survivor-centered response to gender-based violence (GBV)" that will strengthen the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) desks of every barangay, the Pasig City Police (PCP), and the Eastern Police District (EPD).
Coordination between the Pasig Social Welfare Office and the Pasig City Protection Center will be observed.
All government and police personnel in all levels are encouraged to undergo SOGIE training in order to efficiently document and report cases, and assist in filing victim complaints.
The ordinance also notes that gender-inclusive and neutral comfort rooms must be put in place in all establishments and public offices.
Individuals that will be caught violating the ordinance are subject to imprisonment lasting 60 days to a year. Alternatively or complementary to imprisonment, they may be asked to pay a fine ranging from P1,000 to P5,000, depending on the severity of the case.
Violators are also required to attend a SOGIE awareness seminar.
To complement and monitor the implementation of the anti-discrimination policy, the ordinance that mandated the creation of the PRIDE Council was also passed.
Also authored by Councilor Brown, the council will formulate policies and develop programs for the benefit of the city's LGBTQ+ community.
The council's policies and programs will be made in accordance with the PRIDE Development Plan that centers on the "empowerment of LGBTQ+ groups in areas of governance, education, economic well-being, health, social protection, community involvement, and GBV and security".
The full contents, terms, and conditions of Ordinance No. 4, and Ordinance No. 5 may be read on the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Pasig Facebook Page.