February 5, 2023

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio on February 4 dismissed one of his secretaries, Arai Masayoshi, who made discriminatory remarks against same-sex couples and sexual minorities such as LGBTQ people. Kishida made this public during his visit to Fukui Prefecture.

Arai on the previous day reportedly said that he would not like to “look at, or even live next to” LBGTQ people and same-sex couples. He also said that if same-sex marriage is legalized in Japan, this may lead to people abandoning the country.

Commenting on PM Kishida’s announcement, Japanese Communist Party Secretariat Head Koike Akira said, “Arai’s remarks full of prejudice and discrimination against LGBTQ are unacceptable. PM Kishida’s responsibility for appointing a person making such outrageous remarks to his secretary is called into question.” Koike made this comment at a JCP rally held in Gunma’s Takasaki City to increase public support for the party.

Koike pointed out that it is impermissible for the Kishida administration to draw a curtain on the matter just with Arai’s dismissal.

Koike referred to PM Kishida’s statement at a Lower House Budget Committee meeting on February 1 in which Kishida said that gay marriage is a thorny problem which fundamentally changes society and people’s family values. Koike said, “Arai made discriminatory remarks in response to reporters’ question about PM Kishida’s statement. Kishida should be aware that a major factor behind this issue is his negative view on sexual minorities and same-sex marriage.”

Koike noted that the UN Human Rights Council has recommended that Japan take measures to eliminate discrimination against sexual minorities, legalize gay marriage, and promote women’s participation in the political and economic fields. He said, “If Prime Minister Kishida really feels remorse over Arai’s remarks, he should work to implement the UN recommendation.”