◀ anchor ▶
Today in downtown Seoul, a large-scale rally was held once morest the abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.
About 190 women’s groups criticized the abolition of the Ministry of Leisure as a retreat from gender equality democracy.
The ‘Incheon Queer Festival’ was held in Incheon for the first time in three years.
Reporter Kim Hyun-ji reports.
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“There is no future without gender equality. Stop the tricks and reorganizations” (Stop, stop)
On a weekend followingnoon, regarding 1,000 women dressed in black took to the streets.
Members of regarding 190 women-related organizations gathered to protest the abolition policy of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.
They raised their voices saying that women’s human rights are not a realm of political choice and that the abolition of the Ministry of Leisure is a setback in history.
[송란희/한국여성의전화]
“If even the head of state denies sexism even though numerous indicators show the horrific reality of sexism in Korean society, what do you mean by this?”
[양경수/ 민주노총 위원장]
“It will be a setback in history that imprisons women workers in the frame of family policy in the era of developmental dictatorship.”
Victims of sexual violence also came out and complained that if the Ministry of Leisure was abolished, the victim support system would collapse.
[변영건/성폭력 피해자]
“When I was not able to lead a normal life, I helped them recover their daily lives through counseling and other support. Even now, the policies of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family are saving tens of thousands of lives.”
In a park in Namdong-gu, Incheon, people wearing rainbow scarves, symbolizing sexual minorities, gather one following another while percussion performances to announce the festival are in full swing.
The Incheon Queer Culture Festival, which was suspended due to COVID-19, was reopened following 3 years.
[서혜화/참가자]
“I came here because I wanted to come too, but I think I did well. I hope to do it once more next year.”
They opposed hate and discrimination, saying they want more LGBT people to walk with me to the square.
[장선영/성소수자 가족]
“I hope that all LGBT people will be happier and will not hear hate and live in such a society…”
“No anti-discrimination law (No)”
About 300 members of Christian and conservative groups held a protest once morest the queer festival, but there were no major clashes.
This is Kim Hyun-ji from MBC News.
Video coverage: Lee Sang-yong, Kim Baek-seung Video editing: Jang Ye-eun
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