TWO lady councilors on Tuesday, August 20, pushed for the passage of an ordinance against discrimination of the Lesbian, Gays, Bisexual, Transexual+ (LGBT+) community.
City Councilor Joyleen “Girlie” Balaba said no one, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, race, ethnicity and color of skin should be refused employment, admission to schools, hospitals and other institutions and services in commercial establishments.
Balaba said Cagayan de Oro takes pride as one of the most progressive cities in Mindanao, but equal opportunity is still elusive for the LGBT+ community and other minority groups.
“We may not all share the same views, share the same principles and share the same faith, but we are all human beings and we share the same world. The anti-discrimination ordinance is not a moral issue, but a social issue. It is an issue of humanity and our basic human right,” Balaba said in her special report.
“I call on our government to support this anti-discrimination ordinance and make a stand against discrimination,” she added.
Meanwhile, Councilor Edna Dahino said she already filed a localized version of the Sogie (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression) bill. Dahino said this proposal is currently pending at the committee on women which she chairs.
“Nalangan pa kay daghan pang gipang-insert ang atong mga LGBT+ organizations. But we support their cause to give them safe spaces where they feel comfortable,” Dahino said.
“Dili pa moabot ang September mapasa na kay dugay na ni nato nga pangandoy,” she added.