Although still somewhat behind other developed nations, Japan has been making some headway in LGBT rights over the past five years. Several local governments have begun recognizing same-sex marriages and both companies and schools in the country have begun making moves to become more inclusive.
The latest development comes from Mie Prefecture, where on June 3, Governor Eikei Suzuki announced the creation of a ban on the outing of LGBT community members without their permission. Under the prohibition, which is a part of a wider anti-discrimination law, third parties will not be able to reveal a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, nor can they coerce that person to publicly reveal it themselves.
Penalties will be created after a conference of experts deliberate the matter. Suzuki said that the act of outing, “can destabilize family and working relationships and drive people into isolation by disrupting their friendships and contact with other people.” Suzuki added, “We need to do more to create a society that cares for each other.”
Online the move was widely applauded as a welcome change. Most supported it and urged for more to be done, while a few seemed to have trouble with the concept of “outing” and the extent of Mie Prefecture’s legal jurisdiction.
“This country should work for a future where any love is recognized.”
“I wish we didn’t need this law in the first place.”
“We can’t change everyone’s opinions overnight, so this is a good start.”
“Hopefully we can work on the underlying problems as well instead of just banning things.”
“I wonder if this is really equality though. It seems like special treatment.”
“What about old movies where someone calls someone else a ‘homo?’ Can they still show that?”
“Most of Japan is probably just going to ignore these laws. Nothing will change unless people’s thinking changes.”
It’s certainly true that real change can’t be accomplished by laws alone. To shift the perceptions of an entire society deeper action needs to be taken. But at least this ban has already sparked a lot of discussion in the country and in that way hopefully led a few to think more carefully about the situation and what it means to everyone.
Source: Kyodo, My Game News Flash
Read more stories from SoraNews24.
-- Kirin beer company toasts same-sex marriages for its employees
-- Takarazuka becomes fourth Japanese municipality to recognize same-sex partnerships
-- Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward to offer marriage certificates to same-sex couples
- External Link
- https://soranews24.com/2020/06/03/mie-prefecture-to-become-first-in-japan-to-ban-outing-lgbt-individuals/
15 Comments
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Dr. Theopolis
So if a guy is gay and secretly having a gay affair on his heterosexual wife, it’s now against the law to out him? Yes, that’s sure fair! Not!
Pukey2
On the one hand, it may stop the lead-up to potential discrimination at the workplace.
However, closeted gays actively promoting homophobia should not be able to hide behind these types of law. There's a lot of Schadenfreude to be had when we see vile anti-LGBT male Republican lawmakers get exposed with their pants down with young rentboys, or hitting on other men in Minneapolis airport toilets.
jiji Xx
haters will just 'out' people anonymously, won't they? that's if they know that someone is
LGBTish.... if it's a secret, how ill anyone know so they can 'out' them.
also.... does Mie consider that being LGBT (and etc) is synonymous with being 'in the closet'.
not saying this move is a bad thing at all, but seems a bit precarious, and rather reinforces the 'separateness' that some people suffer by virtue of some of their preferences......
gogogo
A ban means nothing if there are no consequences, they better seriously think about this
tamanegi
"Although still somewhat behind other developed nations, Japan has been making some headway in LGBT rights over the past five years"
Well at least we don't hear members of the LGBT community referred to as "Mr Lady" or "new half" as much anymore.
Bugle Boy of Company B
So, go OUTSIDE the prefecture and THEN ‘out’ them, if that’s your thing.
noriahojanen
It's just an experiment and an enlightenment move while I hope that the reform will bring any positive result without disruptions in logistical levels. Aside from sheer prejudice, lots of technical challenges are expected as parts of our society are structured in male/female dichotomous ways.
isoducky
This is simple, just model the legal requirements and restitution like doctor patient or lawyer client confidentiality. It may be true, but harm was done and trust was breached.
kohakuebisu
It will be a rare case, but on the subject of outing, if a young woman in a workplace gets unwelcome attention from a female boss, does that mean she has to stay quiet in case she outs the boss as a lesbian?
Is it okay to complain about sexual harassment from someone who is openly gay but not about someone who is in the closet?
Bugle Boy of Company B
Of course. It’s never not okay to report someone for breaking the law. Whatever fallout for the offender happens to be, that’s their problem.
kurisupisu
Sexuality belongs in the bedroom not on anyone else’s lips!
Maria
@Dr. Theopolis
So, when you find out that a married man you know (of) is having an affair with another woman, how do you tell his wife? Do you call her, go round to her house, or just drop her a text? Do you do that just with friends who are having an affair, or with colleagues and acquaintances as well?
Mat
Was it against the law if he was straight and having an affair with a woman?
Artemis Rogers
Yeah right. How many gays have been killed, jailed or driven to suicide in the history of these "advanced developed" nations that went from that to practically worshiping gays?
These little, non-binding government actions over gays come while heterosexuals are in need of support.
Roseyxxxx
Me thinks Rogers doth protest about non existant issues compared to minorities