Roxas City, the capital of the province of Capiz in Western Visayas, passed an ordinance prohibiting discrimination based on gender.
Principally authored by councilor Cesar Yap, chairman of the city's Committee on Health, and supported by councilor Trina Almalbis-Ignacio, Roxas City Ordinance No. 028-2022 or the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression for the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Welfare of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgenders, Queers, Intersex, Asexuals, and Pansexuals Partner Communities was approved by the city council on 31 May, just in time for the celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June.
The local law is meant to prevent and penalize discrimination, harassment and other abuses against the LGBTQ+ community as well as to promote their rights and welfare. It also mandates the creation of the Roxas City Pride Council to be chaired by the city mayor, to monitor its implementation, to venue to address violations and to assist victims. Violators will be penalized with fines and imprisonment.
The ordinance is said to be in response to the June 2011 resolution of the Human Rights Council concerning violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and identity and accordance to the Gender and Development programs of Roxas City.
The Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines lauded the local governments of Roxas City and the Carigara, Leyte, for passing anti-discrimination ordinances.
"CHR commends these local efforts that demonstrate concrete support and genuine acceptance for the LGBTQI community. During the pandemic, Manila, Bataan Province, Albay, Malolos City, and Pasig City also passed their version of anti-discrimination ordinances. We are hopeful of the increasing local support and look forward to more LGUs implementing their own equality and anti-discrimination measures," CHR executive director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said in a 30 June statement. "The Commission hopes that the growing support for the sector in various areas in the country will pave the way for the passage of the pending Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression Equality Bill. The said bill is crucial in ensuring full recognition of equal rights and in increasing acceptance of persons of diverse SOGIE. This will not only advance the rights of LGBTQI members but will enable the creation of a safe and empowering environment conducive for all."
