๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ถ๐ฏ๐๐บ๐ฎ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ข๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐, ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ด๐ป๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ง๐ค๐๐+ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ
By: Rafael C. Mosuela GPC-SP | Photos By: SP | Date: July 2022
Board Member Alyssa Kristine B. Sibuma has filed a proposed ordinance protecting and recognizing the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender. Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+), and other sexual orientation and sexual identity or expression (SOGIE) in the Province of La Union which was later on referred to the Committee on Women, Responsible Parenthood, and Gender Development chaired by Hon. Maria Rosario Eufrosina Nisce for discussion and recommendation.
โThere are existing LGBTQIA+ community organizations in each Local Government Unit in the Province of La Union that plays an important role in policy-making and implementation, that is why we must create an environment that upholds human rights and equal access to opportunities for individuals of diverse SOGIEโ, Hon. Sibuma underscored.
BM Sibuma stated that the said ordinance was based on Section 11, Article II of the 1987 Constitution, wherein the state values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights; and that Section 17 of the Local Government Code mandates that every local government unit shall endeavor to be self-reliant and shall continue exercising the powers and discharging the duties and functions currently vested upon them.
BM Sibuma also mentioned that, LGBTQIA+ nondiscrimination protections should be comprehensive and inclusive in order to ensure equal opportunity in their daily lives and that these protections must extend not only to the job application process but also to the accessibility to goods and services that our constituents need.
Among the prohibited acts against the discrimination of the LGBTQIA+ in the proposed ordinance includes deny access to and/or the use of private and public establishments, facilities, utilities, transportation, or services, including housing, open to the general public and rejection of any application, entry, and participation; Uploading or posting pictures, videos, and hate comments on the internet through any social media platforms, social networking sites, and websites that demean, debase, degrade, and humiliate a person or group of persons; harassment of a person or group of persons, natural or juridical, in which physical or verbal abuse takes place; and including the sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in the criteria for hiring, promotion, and dismissal of employees, and in the determination of compensation, training, incentives, privileges, benefits, allowances, and other terms and conditions of employment.
As stated in the proposed ordinance the Provincial Government of La Union will ensure that discrimination is prevented and effectively addressed through instituting measures and programs that will strengthen the LGBTQIA+ community and promote active participation of the latter for the development of the province.
The proposed celebration for the recognition of the LGBTQIA+ community or the pride month shall be observed every month of June and declared every last Saturday of the month as the LGBTQIA+ Community Day in the Province of La Union.
