Angono way ahead in crafting SOGIE law

ANGONO, Rizal – This town is way ahead when it comes to highlighting issues on gender equality and discrimination,

Long before Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) became hot news, the town council had approved an ordinance “providing for a Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Policy” covering the same subject.

Ordinance No. 827 series of 2019, otherwise known as the Angono Rizal SOGIE Equality Ordinance, which was approved last March 15.

The ordinance bans discrimination in employment, education; discrimination in the delivery of goods and services; accommodation; verbal and non-verbal ridicule and vilification; harassment, unjust detention and involuntary confinement; disallowance from entry and refusal to serve; promotion of discrimination against LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer).

The Rizal Pride Council was created to perform oversight functions over the implementation of the ordinance, including the monitoring of complaints concerning violations, facilitating and assisting the victims of stigma and discrimination, maintaining discrimination case documentation, case monitoring system, and recommending policies to the Sangguniang Bayan.

The law also calls for the municipal government to observe LGBTIQ events annually; and the imposition of penalties ranging from R1,000 to R2,000 for the first and second offenses, respectively, and R2,500 for the third offense, and imprisonment of from 60 days to one year.

The ordinance was principally authored by then Councilor Jeri Mae Calderon, who is now mayor of the town and co-authored by the rest of the town councilors.