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Gender discrimination is now banned in the national capital.

On Thursday, October 29, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno signed Ordinance No. 8695 or the Manila LGBTQI Protection Ordinance of 2020.

The ordinance bans discrimination on the basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE).

It defined discrimination as: “Any distinction, exclusion, restriction, or other differential treatment that is directly or indirectly based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression which has the intention or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise on an equal footing of political, civil, economic, social, and cultural rights.”

Manila joins Quezon City and a few other cities in the Philippines with anti-discrimination ordinances to combat prejudice in their local jurisdictions.

“I hope this is just a start. There will be long painstaking processes that we need to achieve, but at the very least that we can do for you, is that our local government be with you,” Moreno said in a statement.

What acts are banned?

The ordinance specified the following banned acts on the basis of “actual and perceived SOGIE”:

1. Denying or limiting employment opportunities
2. Denying access to public health programs
3. Denying admission, expulsion, prevention from graduation, and imposing of disciplinary actions higher than customary against students
4. Revoking accreditation, recognition, and registration in educational institutions, workplaces, and communities
5. Verbal or written insults, including those posted on social media
6. Denying goods or services and imposing onerous terms and conditions
7. Denying access to theaters, malls, spas, parlors, and other venues
8. Denying application of licenses, clearances, certifications, or other documents issued by government authorities and other private entities
9. Physical and verbal harassment, unjust detention, and involuntary confinement
10. Organizing groups and activities that promote and incite discrimination
11. Any act of discrimination or harassment which demeans dignity and self-respect

The anti-discrimination council

The ordinance also mandates the creation of the Manila Gender Sensitivity and Development Council (MGSDC) which will be formed through an executive order. It will have a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, an executive director, and 10 members of the board for a technical working group.

The MGSDC is mandated to:

• monitor complaints concerning violatons of the ordinance
• assist victims of discrimination
• document harassment cases
• recommend anti-discrimination policies to the City Council
• review all existing policies, codes, and other government documents to see if they are free of discriminatory statements

Under the ordinance, barangays are directed to establish LGBTQ Desks to receive complaints, document discrimination incidents, assist LGBTQI members in filing complaints, and inform their constituents of the city’s programs for the benefit of the LGBTI community. – Rappler.com