LGBT Bill Liberal Democrats' Amendment Opposes Legislators "Backwards"

At a board meeting of a bipartisan parliamentary league regarding legislation to promote understanding of LGBT people, the LDP sought understanding on the proposed amendment to the wording on discrimination, while the Constitutional Democratic Party and others objected that the content was backwards and argued that it should be discussed again as a parliamentary coalition.

The bill, which was compiled by a bipartisan parliamentary coalition to promote understanding of LGBT people, has not been submitted to the Diet due to persistent opposition from some within the LDP.

Based on discussions within the party, the LDP executive hopes to compile an amendment on the 16th to change the wording "discrimination on the basis of gender identity is not permitted" to "there must be no unfair discrimination on the basis of gender identity."

In response, the board of directors of the bipartisan parliamentary coalition met in the Diet, and the LDP explained that the legal meaning of the amendment would not change even if the wording was changed, and asked the attendees to understand and cooperate with the amendment, noting that discussions would be held in the policy departments of each party in the future.

In response, the New Komeito Party replied, "If it can be confirmed that the purpose of the bill has not changed, it is important to pass it in the current Diet session," but the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan objected that "the content is regressing" and insisted that the general assembly should be held as a parliamentary alliance and discussed again.

In addition, the Communist Party expressed its belief that the amendment would not be accepted, and the Japan Restoration Party and the People's Democratic Party pointed out that "there is no need to change the content of the bill agreed upon by the Parliamentary League."

Focus "wording correction" and its background

This time, the focus is on the bill, which was quietly compiled by a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers, and includes the language "discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity" included in the "Basic Principles" section of the bill.

The phrase "gender identity"

Some LDP legislators pointed out that the phrase "gender identity" could be misused by men by pretending that their gender identity is female and taking women's toilets and baths.

In light of this, the LDP's amendment changed the wording of "gender identity" to "gender identity" as a more objective expression.

In response, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) believes that if "gender identity" is revised to "gender identity," the scope may be narrowed to those who have undergone sex reassignment surgery or changed their gender on the family register, and that some LGBT people will be subject to the bill and others who will not, which will create new discrimination.

The phrase "discrimination is not tolerated"

In addition, some LDP members objected to the phrase "discrimination is not allowed," saying that it could be misinterpreted as a prohibited matter and that lawsuits could be filed randomly, and that it would create divisions in society and not meet the purpose of the bill that recognizes diversity.

For this reason, former Prime Minister Abe changed the expression "unfair discrimination and prejudice against LGBT sexual minorities, etc.," which he had given multiple answers in the Diet during his tenure as Prime Minister, to "There must be no unfair discrimination."

Based on the fact that many of the lawmakers who opposed the bill were close to Mr. Abe, it seems that the aim was to gain understanding by following Mr. Abe's answer.

Regarding this, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan states that there is no distinction between just and unjust in discrimination, and that discrimination is already occurring even now, and that understanding should be promoted and measures should be taken with the phrase "discrimination is not tolerated."

Former Defense Minister Iwaya of the Liberal Democratic Party "Passage in the current Diet session"

Former Defense Minister Iwaya of the Liberal Democratic Party, who chairs a bipartisan parliamentary group, told reporters, "Although there were tough opinions, we share the view that we must move forward. I believe that the LDP executive is considering the submission of the bill in terms of the schedule, so I hope that it will be submitted as quickly as possible. It must be passed in this Diet."

Acting Representative Nishimura "To put it bluntly, step back, why change?"

Nishimura, the acting representative of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, told reporters, "To be clear, it is a step backwards, and some people explained that the meaning of the amendment will not change, but then why is it necessary to change it? After two years of delay, I think that making corrections here will be seen as a setback from the parties concerned and the public. It is necessary to be based on the idea that 'discrimination is not tolerated.'"

Komei Yamaguchi "It should be submitted to the Diet before the Hiroshima Summit"

Komeito Representative Yamaguchi said at a party meeting, "In order to mutually recognize diversity and aim for an inclusive society, it is necessary to enact the bill as soon as possible Japan.