Japan Press Weekly

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2012 June 20 - 26 [CIVIL RIGHTS]

Penalties imposed on political activities by local gov’t workers illegal

To punish local government employees for their political activities under a municipal ordinance is “in violation of the law”. The government at a Cabinet meeting on June 19 adopted a written statement to this effect.

Osaka City Mayor Hashimoto Toru was intending to enact an ordinance bill to impose penalties on city workers who engage in political activities. However, in reaction to the government’s statement, he gave up including a punitive clause into the bill.

The Local Public Service Act exempts public servants’ political activities from punitive action because existing disciplinary measures are sufficient to treat violators.

National and local government workers in Japan are restricted from engaging in political activities other than exercising the right to vote. If violating this restriction, national government workers are subject to punishment.