September 15, 2023
Tsuyoshi Masuda
President, Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions (Min-iren)
Riho Kagami
Chair, Miniren Center for Human Rights and Ethics

The law to promote understanding of LGBT people (the law for the promotion of public understanding of the diversity of sexual orientation and gender identity) was enacted at the Diet on June 16, 2023, and took effect on June 23 after the following sentences were added to it by Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party) and the Democratic Party for the People: “It pledges to take heed so that all citizens can live with peace of mind. The government will formulate necessary guidelines for this purpose.” This preposterous amendment allows for the protection of the rights of minorities who suffer discrimination and prejudice to be rolled back, citing the lack of understanding of the majority as the reason.

This revision could put brakes on already existing municipal same-sex partnership certification systems and non-discrimination ordinances if residents and politicians say they “do not feel safe”. Since it stipulates that the government will formulate necessary guidelines, local governments and private organizations can be discouraged from making pioneering efforts.

This law encourages the exclusion of minorities by the majority in violation of Article 14 of the Constitution. We demand the law be repealed as it also violates Article 13 of the Constitution which stipulates respect for individuals, the right to the pursuit of happiness, and public welfare.