Anti-discrimination law amendment hits snag

THE amendment to add “health status” in the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance is objected to by some councilors who say “health status” is a very general term.

Sangguniang Panlungsod health committee chair Dr. Mary Joselle Villafuerte said the attempt to pass the resolution amending the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance for second reading last week did not push through due to this.

Villafuerte initially passed for amendment on first reading, following her privilege speech where she raised the concern that some employers in Davao City discriminate against workers who are Hepatitis B positive.

“We cannot [specify forms of disorder] because it will become a class legislation,” she said defending why she cannot just put any forms of disease or disorder and instead opt for the generalized “health status”.

A class legislation refers to legislation that applies to certain persons or class of persons, either natural or artificial, or to certain districts of territory or state.

“We will present a definition on Wednesday or Tuesday and hopefully it will be more specific by then. We are working with the Davao Gastrointestinal Group of physicians led by Dr. Marilyn Arguillas,” she said.

The existing Anti-Discrimination ordinance or City Ordinance 1417-12 prohibits and penalizes discrimination based on sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, race, color, descent, national or ethnic origin and religious affiliation or beliefs.