Japan Press Weekly

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2022 August 17 - 23 [POLITICS]

Sexist LDP Dietmember holds key gov't post, triggering public criticism

Akahata editorial (excerpts)

Associated with a reshuffling of the Kishida Cabinet, Liberal Democratic Party member of the House of Representatives Sugita Mio became parliamentary vice-minister for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, and this appointment came under public criticism.

In 2014, when Sugita was still a member of a different political party, she at a Lower House plenary session said, "Women can no longer shine. This is due to the nonsense associated with calls for gender equality which destroys traditions and customs in the name of the promotion of a gender-equal society. Gender equality is an immoral delusion and absolutely unfeasible."

In 2016, Sugita tweeted on her Twitter account that she finds nothing wrong with receiving political support from the former Unification Church and its offshoots.

In 2018, she contributed an article to the monthly magazine "Shincho 45" and called LGBTQ people "unproductive" and "a waste of taxes" because they do not produce children. She assesses human values on whether they are "productive" or not, having a similar ideology to eugenics supporters.

In 2020, during an LDP meeting held to boost counseling for victims of sexual violence, Sugita said, "Women can easily tell lies." She trampled on the dignity of rape victims who found the courage to testify their cases.

Sugita has never made an apology for or retracted her controversial remarks. Prime Minister Kishida's responsibility for appointing her to a key government post must be called into question.

Past related articles:
> LDP Sugita refuses to retract her remark insulting sexual assault victims [October 2, 2020]
> JCP Koike: LDP Sugita is not qualified to serve as a Dietmember [September 29, 2020]