The Iloilo City Council recently passed the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance of Iloilo City, authored by City Councilor Liezl Zulueta-Salazar, who said, “This is our way to show that we Ilonggos respect other people’s religious beliefs, race, and sexual orientation.”

“There is a need for city government and Ilonggos to recognize the different aspects and contexts in which discrimination may operate,” she added.

The city official said she has witnessed members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community, along with Muslims, bullied and denied leases.

Those found to be discriminating against others based on a variety of aspects, including sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, descent, national or ethnic origin, religious affiliation or beliefs, among others, will be fined P1,000 on their first offense, P2,000 and jailed up to 10 days on the second, and P5,000 and 15 days in prison on the third.

The policy also created the Anti-Discrimination Board, which will initiate filings against alleged violators./WDJ