South Korean court supports ban on gay sex in military.
OAN’s James Meyers
7:55 AM – Friday, October 27, 2023
A landmark ruling in South Korea has declared same-sex relations within the country’s military to be unlawful. The decision, made by the constitutional court, has sparked controversy and debate.
In a close five-to-four vote, the court upheld the law, citing concerns about combat readiness and discipline within the military. This decision has raised questions about the rights and equality of LGBTQ+ individuals serving in the armed forces.
Under South Korean law, men between the ages of 18 and 28 are required to serve in the military for nearly 20 months. This ruling has further highlighted the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the country.
Activists have strongly criticized the court’s decision, arguing that it will only perpetuate violence and discrimination against gay military members.
“The ban has institutionalized discrimination, reinforced systematic disadvantages faced by LGBT people and risked inciting or justifying violence against them, both inside the military and in everyday life,” stated Boram Jang, a researcher from Amnesty International East Asia.
Efforts to overturn this law have been ongoing, with South Korea’s Supreme Court previously overturning a military court’s conviction of two soldiers involved in a consensual same-sex relationship. However, this latest ruling marks the fourth time since 2002 that the law has been upheld, with violators facing up to two years in prison.
“This continued endorsement for the criminalization of consensual same-sex acts within the Korean military is a distressing setback in the decades-long struggle for equality in the country,” expressed Boram Jang, Amnesty International’s East Asia researcher.
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What ongoing efforts exist to advocate for equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals serving in the military in South Korea
A Landmark Ruling in South Korea: Same-Sex Relations in the Military Ruled Unlawful
In a recent landmark ruling, South Korea’s constitutional court declared same-sex relations within the country’s military to be unlawful, igniting controversy and debate. This decision, made by a narrow margin of five-to-four, has raised concerns about the rights and equality of LGBTQ+ individuals who serve in the armed forces.
The court upheld the law, citing concerns about combat readiness and discipline within the military as the rationale behind their decision. This ruling has further emphasized the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in South Korea, particularly young men between the ages of 18 and 28 who are required to serve in the military for nearly 20 months.
Critics of the court’s decision, including activists and human rights organizations, strongly argue that it will only perpetuate violence and discrimination against gay military members. Boram Jang, a researcher from Amnesty International East Asia, stated, “The ban has institutionalized discrimination, reinforced systematic disadvantages faced by LGBT people and risked inciting or justifying violence against them, both inside the military and in everyday life.”
Efforts to overturn this law have been ongoing, and South Korea’s Supreme Court has previously intervened by overturning a military court’s conviction of two soldiers involved in a consensual same-sex relationship. However, the recent ruling marks the fourth time since 2002 that the law has been upheld, with violators facing potential imprisonment of up to two years.
Boram Jang from Amnesty International’s East Asia division expressed disappointment, stating, ”This continued endorsement for the criminalization of consensual same-sex acts within the Korean military is a distressing setback in the decades-long struggle for equality in the country.”
Amidst the controversial ruling, there are ongoing efforts to advocate for equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals serving in the military. This issue highlights the broader fight for equal rights and the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in South Korea.
As the debate continues, it is crucial to engage in open discussions and promote understanding and acceptance of different sexual orientations within society. By striving for inclusivity and respect for all individuals, society can work towards creating an environment where discrimination is eradicated, and everyone can live without fear of persecution based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
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(Source: OAN’s James Meyers. Photo by ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images)
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