EQUALITY DAY FOR LGBTQs PROPOSED

By:  Rhea Matilde A. Ballesteros |  By: GPC-SP |  Date: February 22, 2019

To increase public awareness, and promote inclusiveness, respect and equal rights to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queers (LGBTQs), Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member (SPM) Nancy Corazon M. Bacurnay proposed a draft ordinance declaring every second Saturday of November as LGBTQ Equality Day in the Province of La Union during the 137th Regular Session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on February 22, 2019 Speaker Pro Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Provincial Legislative Building and Session Hall, Provincial Capitol, San Fernando City, La Union.

In her privilege speech and sponsorship, SPM Bacurnay explained that the reason for proposing such legislative measure is to give importance and recognition to the LGBTQs in the province who often face discrimination, prejudice and rejection. Having a day for the LGBTQs will not only boost their morale but will also serve as an avenue to promote their importance and contributions to the society.

The proposed ordinance encouraged the formation of associations of individuals of various sex, gender and sexual orientation from the barangay, municipal, to provincial level with the purpose that the LGBTQs become partners of the local government in the promotion of equality and respect for human rights.

Among the proposed activities to be undertaken during the LGBTQs Equality Day are street parades/festivals, community events, public speaking, and conduct of education and awareness-raising campaigns to promote diversity through popular education tools like documentaries and tarpaulins. An initial amount of P100,000.00 was proposed as funding requirement for the implementation of the said proposed ordinance.

The proposed ordinance was considered on First Reading and the same was referred to the Committees on Social Services, Laws, Rules and Privileges and Justice and Human Rights for further study.

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