Proposed Mandaue code aims to protect LGBT community

CEBU, Philippines - An estimated 50 members of the Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgenders group in Mandaue City staged a march-rally yesterday afternoon in support to the proposed ordinance which seeks to uphold the rights and welfare of their community.

The draft ordinance, which was authored by City Councilor Nenita Layese, the council's chairman of the Committee on Laws, was approved on first reading during yesterday's council session.

The draft ordinance is simply called the "Diversity Code of Mandaue" and tackles the rights of every member of the LGBT in the city.

In an interview, Layese said this code was already formulated several months back with the help of the group.

Layese said most of the provisions of the draft ordinance were presented by the group. She then reviewed them before coming up with the proposed measure.

Drafted by Manpride (Mandaue's Pride), a local organization of gays and an advocacy group led lawyer Regal Oliva, the proposed ordinance is divided into four major sections: Preamble which includes the recognition of diversity; the Stigma and Discrimination, which includes prohibited acts, program, implementation and penalties; Health-integration of LGBT on sexual reproductive health program and creation of Transgender Health Program and Welfare-institutionalization of LGBT organizations in Gender and Development, a program of the city government, creation of Diversity Affairs Commission, inclusivity for diversity in the social welfare program, participation and inclusivity for the LGBT youth and participation and inclusivity senior citizen.

"This is the first outside Metro Manila…will help curb the spread of HIV, at the same time involved the group in achieving the city's vision," said Oliva who helped explained to the members of Manpride and advocacy group the content of the proposed ordinance.

With this initiated it is expected that members of LGBT group belonging to the upper bracket and the members of Manpride which comprises those from C and D sectors will come up with a united organization.

Nanette Bowler, adviser of Manpride for her part said this is a very welcome development in the city, adding the group ever since voluntarily contributed their time, talent and treasure for the benefit of Mandauehanons.

Once the said ordinance will be approved in the city, members of the LGBT will finally be protected as the said ordinance also comes with corresponding penalties. — Flor Z. Perolina (FREEMAN)