The legislative branch judged that the Incheon City Council ordinance, which was controversial by allowing the police to take action when non-pregnant passengers are sitting in seats for pregnant women on the subway, is a violation of higher laws.
Today (27th), according to the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency, etc., the National Police Agency requested the Ministry of Legislation to review the validity of the 'Incheon City Public Transportation Basic Ordinance' proposed by the Incheon City Council in August.
Article 6 (3) of this ordinance proposed by Incheon City Council Chairman Shin Eun-ho sparked controversy as it contained the content that 'the subway police force may recommend that passengers other than pregnant women leave the exclusive seats for pregnant women when patrolling trains'.
When the contents of the ordinance became known, the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency works council, made up of incumbent police officers, immediately protested.
The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency's direct association criticized "The Incheon City Council made an ordinance that transfers the work of the subway operator or local government to the subway police force."
After reviewing the ordinance at the request of the National Police Agency, the Ministry of Legislation determined that there is a possibility of violating higher laws such as the Local Autonomy Act and the Police Act.
The Ministry of Legislation and Legislation said, "The work of the autonomous police also includes work related to traffic activities," but "However, the Incheon City Council ordinance is beyond the scope of the Police Act and the regulations of the autonomous police, and cannot be defined as the affairs of the autonomous police."
“People who formulate and implement a plan to improve the mobility of the transportation-disabled people, such as pregnant women, are the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the mayor of a metropolitan city, etc.interpreted as
The Ministry of Legislation also said that it is difficult to see that the task of managing seats for pregnant women, which is a convenience facility for pregnant women, is related to the police work to protect the lives and bodies of residents.
The Ministry of Legislation pointed out, "Entrusting the subway police with the duties of traffic administrative agencies may violate higher-level laws such as the Local Autonomy Act and the Police Act."
Earlier, the Incheon City Council ordinance bill was put on hold without being presented to the plenary session in September this year due to controversy.
An official from the Incheon City Council said, "We are in the position of accepting the judgment of the Ministry of Legislation and have no plans to re-examine the ordinance."
An official from the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency said, "Local government ordinances should also be made within the limits of the law."
(Photo = Yonhap News)