2023-06-09 10:59:42
On the 9th, the Cabinet Committee of the House of Representatives began deliberations on three bills submitted by the ruling and opposition parties to promote understanding of sexual minorities (LGBTQ). The proposal was approved by a majority vote. The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, the Japanese Communist Party, and the Social Democratic Party, which followed the bill agreed on bipartisanly including the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito two years ago, were rejected. Hiroyuki Taniguchi, a professor at Aoyama Gakuin University who specializes in international human rights law, pointed out that the revised bill might spread prejudices and stereotypes that lead to discrimination. (Nobuko Ohno, Mari Yuzuki)
On the 8th, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) appealed to the Japan Innovation Party and agreed to accept almost all of the frameworks of the bills of the Japan Innovation Party and the People’s Party.
Bearing in mind that some of the amendments argue that protecting LGBTQ human rights violates the rights of “cisgender” individuals whose gender identity matches their gender identity at birth, national and local governments , etc., added the statement, “We will take care so that all citizens can live with peace of mind.” Incorporated the viewpoint of respecting the rights of “cisgender”.
Expressions such as “gender identity” and “gender identity” that differed in the three bills were replaced with the common English translation of “gender identity.”
Article 1, which states the purpose of the law, clearly states that the current situation is that “the people’s understanding of diversity is not necessarily sufficient.” The text that obliges schools and other institutions to make efforts in educational and enlightenment activities includes the phrase “with the cooperation of families, local residents, and other concerned parties.”
At the committee meeting that day, Takeshi Miyamoto of the Japanese Communist Party emphasized, “Protecting the human rights and security of women and transgender people (both) will never conflict.” Some opposition parties also criticized the fact that the bill was passed following deliberations lasting less than three hours.
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Komeito, the Meiji Restoration, the people, and the Lower House parliamentary faction “Association of Volunteers” supported the revision. The Rimin, the Communist Party, the Social Democratic Party, and the Reiwa Shinsengumi opposed it. It was passed at the lower house plenary session on the 13th, and is expected to be enacted on the 16th following deliberations in the upper house.
Taniguchi criticized the revised bill, saying, “I can’t see a fundamental understanding of the issues of human rights and discrimination. The legislative process added politicians’ false stereotypes and prejudices.” Furthermore, regarding the descriptions of households and local residents, he said, “It might be perceived that the government cannot promote understanding unless cooperation is obtained.”
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