A new law to provide relief to victims of the problems of the former Unification Church was approved and enacted by a majority vote at the plenary session of the House of Councillors on the 10th, the last day of the Diet session.
Ensuring effectiveness will be an issue going forward.
The new law prohibits unfair solicitations that embarrass individuals, such as corporations and others using knowledge such as inspiration to stir up anxiety and tell them that donations are essential.
In addition, in light of the fact that the opposition parties have called for a ban on donations through mind control, we will impose a duty of consideration on corporations, etc., such as not to suppress the free will of individuals and prevent them from falling into a situation where it is difficult to make appropriate decisions. I'm here.
Penalties have also been established, and those who violate prohibited acts and do not follow government recommendations and orders will be punished with imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 1 million yen.
This time, the government's bill was put together in an unusual way to reflect the opinions of the opposition parties in advance consultations, and the House of Representatives made concessions to the opposition and made amendments.
On Saturday, the 10th, the last day of the Diet session, a special committee of the House of Councilors was followed by a vote at the plenary session. established.
The Japanese Communist Party and the Reiwa Shinsengumi opposed it.
With some exceptions, the law is scheduled to go into effect as early as the beginning of the year, and the issue going forward will be whether efforts can be made to strengthen the consultation system and ensure its effectiveness.
On the other hand, at the plenary session, the revision of the Consumer Contract Law was enacted, which includes extending the period during which the right to cancel a contract based on fraudulent business methods such as psychedelic marketing to 10 years can be exercised.
Overview of Victim Relief Act
The new law regulates malicious donations, which have not been adequately addressed in the past.
Specifically, it prohibits unfair solicitation of donations that embarrass individuals, such as corporations and others using knowledge such as inspiration to stir up anxiety and tell them that donations are essential.
It is also prohibited to ask individuals to borrow money or sell their homes to raise funds.
On top of that, penalties are also established, and if you violate prohibited acts and do not follow administrative recommendations and orders, you will be sentenced to imprisonment with work for not more than one year or a fine of not more than 1 million yen.
Furthermore, since the opposition parties have demanded that donations be banned through mind control, corporations should be forced to suppress the free will of individuals, making it difficult for them to make appropriate decisions, and to prevent individuals and families from sustaining their livelihoods. Regulations were established regarding the duty of consideration, such as not to make things difficult.
In the obligation of consideration provision, the word "consideration" was revised to "sufficient consideration" after consultations between the Liberal Democratic Party and the Constitutional Democratic Party, etc., and the company name was added if the obligation was neglected.
The ruling and opposition parties say that the effectiveness of the duty of consideration provision has increased.
In addition, in order to help victims, we recognize the "right to cancel" donations based on unfair solicitation, and even if the donator does not request cancellation, the child who is supported can "cancel" within a certain range. It is said that it will be possible to recover the child support that was originally supposed to be received.
In addition, there is a provision for reviewing the law about two years after its enactment.
It was originally three years, but was shortened as a result of amendments.
On the other hand, the government has explained that the bill will be regulated by unincorporated organizations, and there will be no escaping the regulation by changing the attribute of the collected donations to individuals such as executives of the organization. I explained that I will consider how to deal with it.
Former Unification Church "Refrain from answering for now"
Regarding the enactment of a new law regulating malicious donations to help the victims of the Former Unification Church, the person in charge of the Former Unification Church and the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification said, "Other religious corporations have also issued statements. As a corporation, we will straighten ourselves and continue to promote reforms with the aim of becoming a better church.”