Promoting Understanding of LGBT Liberal Democrats Debate on Legislative Legislation Continues

A joint meeting of the LDP's Special Mission Committee was held to discuss legislation to promote understanding of LGBT people. A senior member of the Special Mission Committee said, "There is no doubt that understanding is deepening," and expressed his recognition that discussions are progressing.

The LDP held a joint meeting of the Special Mission Committee and other bodies on the afternoon of the 10th to discuss an amendment to change the phrase "discrimination on the basis of gender identity is not permitted" to "There should be no unfair discrimination on the basis of gender identity" indicated at the meeting on the 8th.

While some commented that the content was appropriate, others pointed out that it was difficult to define the term discrimination.

A senior member of the Special Mission Committee said, "The bill is for promoting understanding, and I would like people to understand the purpose of recognizing diversity," and it was decided to discuss it again on the 12th.

Afterwards, Mr. Furuya, former Chairman of the National Public Safety Commission, who serves as an adviser to the Special Mission Committee, told reporters, "There is no doubt that the questions raised by the attendees and deepening understanding," expressing his recognition that discussions are progressing.

However, some in the LDP have pointed out that it will be difficult to enact a bill by next week's G7 Hiroshima Summit, which has been requested by both the ruling and opposition parties, and that it is important to submit it to the Diet first.

Former Defense Minister Iwaya: "Efforts to build a larger consensus"

Former Defense Minister Iwaya, who chairs a bipartisan parliamentary group, told reporters, "There has been an explanation of why the amendment was proposed, and I think the discussion is coming to a conclusion, and we must reach a conclusion as soon as possible, explain it to each party, and make efforts to build a larger consensus."

Shoji Nishida, Member of the House of Councillors: "One major concern has disappeared"

Shoji Nishida, a member of the House of Councillors, told reporters, "My biggest concern was that the law would not be applied correctly in schools and workplaces, and that it would go wrong, but I was told that the law was being set up to prevent it from being implemented.