The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has urged other local government units (LGUs) to pass an ordinance that penalize people who engage in gender-based sexual harassment.
In a statement, the CHR lauded the Muntinlupa City government for enacting City Ordinance No 2023-077, the “Respeto sa Kapwa Muntinlupeño,” that was envisioned to ensure safe spaces for individuals regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE).
The ordinance will penalize perpetrators of unwanted sexual remarks and actions in public spaces. Those who are found guilty of the said offenses will make reparations in accordance with Republic Act No. 11313, the Safe Spaces Act, the CHR said.
"In an effort to combat all forms of harassment and discrimination, especially towards women and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) community, the ordinance is set to punish offenders who commit implicit and explicit homophobic, misogynistic, and sexist comments against citizens of the city of Muntinlupa," it said.
Despite the many strides taken for the country's LGBTQI community, the CHR said that there are still blatant harassment and other discriminatory acts that make people feel unsafe.
"There have been numerous cases nationwide of harassment motivated by and related to gender identity, ranging from microaggressions and disadvantages in the workplace to violence and death," it said.
"Thus, it must be continuously emphasized that localized efforts to pass ordinances that protect one’s citizens from discrimination are important in ensuring equality within one's respective jurisdiction."
Aside from encouraging other LGUs to pass their own ordinances, the CHR expressed hopes for the swift passage of the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) equality bill.
"Through continuous promotion of human dignity and equality, we may be able to build communities rooted in security and non-violence for the common good of the people," it said.