Ilagan City Sogie ordinance lauded

CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela: The LGBTQIA+ community welcomed the passage of the newly crafted a Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression ( Sogie) Equality and Antidiscrimination ordinance.

Peterson Patriarca, City of Ilagan Gay Association president, said the pro- LGBTQIA+ ordinance has been a big boost to their cause in fighting for their rights.

“We ought to fight for our rights and we are upbeat with the city government’s help for us with the enactment of this ordinance,” Patriarca told TheManilaTimes in an interview on Monday.

Joy Rivero, a lesbian, said the local ordinance would be a “fitting help” to the third sex like her.

“Makastayatuntannikami.Aru ymaduruffunannayatun ( That is a good local law. It would help us bigtime),” she said.

The ordinance came before the nationwide uproar with members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The LGBTQIA+ means Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and a myriad of other communities.

Titled “An Ordinance Prohibiting Discrimination in the City of Ilagan on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression Equality,” the new law was passed for the protection of the rights of members of the LGBTQIA+ community in their respective endeavors, the city government statement said.

The ordinance has a penal provision, a fine ranging from P1,000 to P5,000. Members of the LGBTQIA+ who are experiencing discrimination are encouraged to report to the City Social Welfare Office which will conduct investigation prior to the filing of appropriate charges.

There was a need to identify the issues that confront the LGBTQIA+ community, according to City Councilor Rolando Tugade, author of the ordinance.

Among the issues plaguing the LGBTQIA+ community are discrimination, bullying, and abuse in various areas and aspects of society such as employment, education, provision of goods and services.