June 16 & 17, 2023

A bill on promotion of understanding of sexual minorities including LGBT people was approved and enacted on June 16 at the House of Councilors plenary session by the majority vote of the Liberal Democratic Party, Komei Party, “Nippon Ishin no Kai” party, and the Democratic Party for the People.

The Japanese Communist Party, along with the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the “Reiwa Shinsengumi” party, voted against the bill as it goes counter to the demand of LGBT people for the elimination of discrimination.

On the previous day at a press conference, JCP Chair Shii Kazuo referred to the bill’s provision treating sexual minorities as an obstacle to people’s safety, and added that the four parties’ bill will hinder rather than promote a sound understanding regarding LGBT issues and may actually encourage discrimination.

Shii noted that all parties three years ago agreed on a bill aimed at banning LGBT discrimination. However, he said, the ruling parties and their supplementary parties bulldozed through a bill whose aim is completely different from the previous agreement. He expressed his determination to establish an LGBT equality law.

Past related article:
> LDP puts off approval on LGBT equality bill [May 29, 2021]