By Noreen Jazul

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte condemned the discrimination against transgender Gretchen Custodio Diez who was barred from using the female comfort room at a mall.

“We condemn this kind of discrimination towards members of the LGBT+ community,” Belmonte said, who vowed to look closely at Diez’ case.

Belmonte underscored that Quezon City has a Gender Fair Ordinance to protect the rights of the members of the LGBT+ community.

“Ipinagbabawal ng lungsod ang lahat ng uri ng diskriminasyon, at binibigyan ng proteksyon at paggalang ang dignidad at karapatang-pantao ng lahat, lalung-lalo na ang LGBT+,” the QC mayor added.

Belmonte said the mall violated “Section 5: Affirmative Acts, 1 Affirmative Acts in Employment, Part D” of the city’s Gender Fair Ordinance which requires all government offices, private, and commercial establishments to have gender-neutral toilets.

The QC mayor then assured members of the LGBT+ community that the city “will always protect their rights and be a home for their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression.”

“We do not support any kind of violence and discrimination in our city. Sa ating LGBT+ community, protektado ang karapatan ninyo sa QC,” she added.

Read more: Transgender barred from using ladies’ toilet to sue mall