CEBU CITY—Denying a Muslim girl entry into school for wearing hijab, a traditional Muslim scarf, and denying treatment to an HIV-positive patient are now criminal offenses in this city.
The Cebu City council on Wednesday passed an ordinance that makes discriminatory actions punishable with either a fine of P1,000 to P5,000 or imprisonment of a day to a month or both.
Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon said discriminatory acts like those should not be tolerated anywhere, especially in Cebu City.
Section 4 of the ordinance prohibits discrimination of anyone because of gender, disability, age, health status, sexual orientation, ethnicity and religion.
Prohibited acts include denying anyone access to any social or health program and service, admission to an educational institution, recognition and accreditation and access to a facility or establishment on the basis of religion, sexual orientation or ethnic background.