LGBT Understanding Promotion Act
{{Short description|Japanese law relating to LGBT rights}}
{{Infobox legislation
| short_title = LGBT Understanding Promotion Act
LGBT理解増進法
LGBT rikai zōshin-Hō
| legislature = Diet of Japan
| image = Diet of Japan Kokkai 2009.jpg
| imagesize = 250px
| imagealt = National Diet Building
| caption = National Diet Building
| long_title = An act on Promotion of Public Understanding of Diversity of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
{{lang|ja|性的指向及びジェンダーアイデンティティの多様性に関する国民の理解の増進に関する法律}}
{{lang|ja-Latn|Seiteki shikō oyobi jendāaidentiti no tayō-sei ni kansuru kokumin no rikai no zōshin ni kansuru Hōritsu}}
| citation = [https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/document?lawid=505AC1000000068 Act No. 68 of June 23, 2023]
| territorial_extent = Japan
| enacted_by = House of Representatives
| date_passed = 13 June 2023
| enacted_by2 = House of Councillors
| date_passed2 = 16 June 2023
| date_assented = 23 June 2023
| date_effective = 23 June 2023
| bill = LGBT Understanding Promotion Act
| bill_citation = [https://web.archive.org/web/20230613190521/https://www.shugiin.go.jp/internet/itdb_gian.nsf/html/gian/honbun/houan/g21105013.htm Proposed Act on Promoting Public Understanding of Diversity in Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity]
| introduced_by = LDP, Komeito
| date_introduced = 18 May 2023
| 3rd_reading_for = LDP, JIP, Komeito, DPFP
| 3rd_reading_against = CDP, JCP, Reiwa, SDP
| bill2 = LGBT Understanding Promotion Act
| bill_citation2 = [https://www.sangiin.go.jp/japanese/joho1/kousei/gian/211/pdf/t0902110132110.pdf Promoting Public Understanding of Diversity in Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity]
| date_introduced2 = 9 June 2023
| 3rd_reading2_for = LDP, JIP, Komeito, DPFP
| 3rd_reading2_against = CDP, JCP, Reiwa, SDP
| summary = *Establish basic principles regarding the promotion of measures to spread understanding of LGBT individuals and other sexual minorities
- Clarify the roles of the national and local governments in advancing the promotion of understanding of LGBT individuals
- Draw up a basic implementation plan to promote understanding of LGBT individuals, and to protect them from "unfair discrimination.”
| status = in force
}}
The Act on Promotion of Public Understanding of Diversity of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity ({{lang|ja|性的指向及びジェンダーアイデンティティの多様性に関する国民の理解の増進に関する法律}}),{{Cite web |title=日本法令索引 |url=https://hourei.ndl.go.jp/#/detail?lawId=0000161546 |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=hourei.ndl.go.jp}} commonly referred to as the LGBT Understanding Promotion Act ({{lang|ja|LGBT理解増進法}}),{{Cite web |date=2023-06-16 |title=LGBT法、当事者「現状後退」 多数派配慮の追加条項に抗議{{!}}47NEWS（よんななニュース） |url=https://www.47news.jp/9466473.html |access-date=2024-03-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616113659/https://www.47news.jp/9466473.html |archive-date=2023-06-16 }} is a Japanese law that establishes basic principles regarding the promotion of measures to broaden understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people and other sexual minorities in Japan. The legislation obligates the Japanese government to draw up a basic implementation plan to promote understanding of LGBT people, and to protect them from "unfair discrimination." It also stipulates that government entities, businesses, and schools "need to strive" to take similar action.{{Cite web |title=性的指向及びジェンダーアイデンティティの多様性に関する国民の理解の増進に関する法律 {{!}} e-Gov法令検索 |url=https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/document?lawid=505AC1000000068 |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=elaws.e-gov.go.jp}}
The legislation was scheduled to be enacted in concurrent with the 49th G7 summit held in Hiroshima from 19 to 21 May 2023, but after delays the legislation was submitted to the National Diet on 18 May 2023,{{Cite web |date=2023-06-10 |title=LGBT法案、9日審議入り 自民は与党案採決の構え 成立の公算 {{!}} 毎日新聞 |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20230606/k00/00m/010/254000c |access-date=2024-03-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610181019/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20230606/k00/00m/010/254000c |archive-date=2023-06-10 }} and enacted on 16 June of the same year{{Cite web |date=2023-06-16 |title=ＬＧＢＴ法、参院本会議で成立 自民の３氏は採決時に退席 – 産経ニュース |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20230616-YG5U6FUKRZNCTFCWBUUN4CEPVQ/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616023910/https://www.sankei.com/article/20230616-YG5U6FUKRZNCTFCWBUUN4CEPVQ/ |archive-date=2023-06-16 }} after revisions that severely watered-down the legislation,{{Cite web |agency=Reuters |date=2023-06-16 |title=Japan passes watered-down LGBT understanding bill |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/16/asia/japan-lgbt-bill-passed-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=CNN |language=en}} leading to LGBT rights activists and opposition parties criticizing the bill for its ineffectiveness.{{Cite web |last=Frühstück |first=Sabine |date=2023-06-17 |title=Watered-down LGBTQ 'understanding' bill shows how far Japan's parliament is out of step with its society – and history |url=http://theconversation.com/watered-down-lgbtq-understanding-bill-shows-how-far-japans-parliament-is-out-of-step-with-its-society-and-history-206908 |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=The Conversation |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=NEWS |first=KYODO |title=FOCUS: Japan LGBT law watered down amid culture war on transgender issues |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/ce70e8136f49-focus-japan-lgbt-law-watered-down-amid-culture-war-on-transgender-issues.html |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=Kyodo News+}} The law went into effect on 23 June 2023.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-28 |title=ＬＧＢＴ法施行 内閣府に担当部署１１人で新設 – 産経ニュース |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20230623-RAV7T6D2CBKRDF76DR73GL5TVM/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628111328/https://www.sankei.com/article/20230623-RAV7T6D2CBKRDF76DR73GL5TVM/ |archive-date=2023-06-28 }}
The legislation was introduced and passed amidst domestic and international pressure, primarily from the United States through U.S. ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-15 |title=U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel has "full confidence" Japan will ban LGBTQ discrimination – CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/japan-ban-lgbtq-discrimination-us-ambassador-rahm-emanuel/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Japan launches G-7 focus group for LGBTQ rights ahead of summit |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Gender/Japan-launches-G-7-focus-group-for-LGBTQ-rights-ahead-of-summit |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=Nikkei Asia |language=en-GB}}
Overview
{{Further|LGBT rights in Japan}}
Previous attempts to enact an anti-discrimination legislation was blocked due to the strong influence of conservative factions lobbied by religious organizations such as the Unification Church and the Association of Shinto Shrines within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).{{Cite web |last=Larsson |first=Ernils |date=13 July 2023 |title=Japan's religious right resists marriage equality |url=https://eastasiaforum.org/2023/07/13/japans-religious-right-resists-marriage-equality/ |website=eastasiaforum.org}}{{Cite web |title=Japan's Unification Church scandal lingers a year after Abe death |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Unification-Church-and-politics/Japan-s-Unification-Church-scandal-lingers-a-year-after-Abe-death |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=Nikkei Asia |language=en-GB}} The most recent attempt was in June 2019, where after three years of consultations, a special committee of the LDP announced the LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Bill, which aims to improve understanding of LGBT issues, would be introduced to the National Diet. However, LGBT rights activists criticized the bill for falling short by not mentioning same-sex marriage or anti-discrimination protections.{{cite web |last=Glauert |first=Rik |date=26 June 2019 |title=Japan's ruling party reveals draft 'LGBT understanding' bill |url=https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/japans-ruling-party-reveals-draft-lgbt-understanding-bill/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815193343/https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/japans-ruling-party-reveals-draft-lgbt-understanding-bill/ |archive-date=15 August 2019 |access-date=16 August 2019 |work=Gay Star News}}{{cite web |date=25 June 2019 |title="LGBT bill" at the Liberal Democratic Party to be submitted to the next Diet session |url=https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp/news_politics/articles/000157948.html |work=TV Asahi}}
In April 2021, the LDP announced it would pass the LGBT Understanding and Enhancement Bill during the 204th National Diet session, set to end in June for the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo. The bill only requires the government to "promote understanding of LGBT people" and does not actually ban discrimination.{{Cite web |date=2021-04-09 |title=Panel of Japan's ruling LDP to seek early passage of law on LGBT understanding |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/04/09/national/lgbt-ldp-same-sex-marriage-discrimination/ |access-date=2021-06-10 |website=The Japan Times |language=en-US |archive-date=2021-07-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709002624/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/04/09/national/lgbt-ldp-same-sex-marriage-discrimination/ |url-status=dead }} However, the bill was never introduced.
In May 2021, members of the bipartisan Diet Members Caucus on LGBT-related issues agreed to formulate another anti-discrimination bill.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-01 |title=ＬＧＢＴ法案「三すくみ」 こう着状態で成立見えず：時事ドットコム |url=https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2023053101067 |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601050436/https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2023053101067 |archive-date=2023-06-01 }} The legislation became a priority in 2023 after Japan took the presidency of the G7, with international spotlight on the Japanese government due to Japan being the only G7 member without legislation that protects LGBT rights.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-21 |title=G7 Letter Highlights Japan's LGBT Rights Gaps {{!}} Human Rights Watch |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/03/21/g7-letter-highlights-japans-lgbt-rights-gaps |access-date=2024-03-24 |language=en}} The LDP, as well as its junior coalition partner Komeito expedited proceedings for the enactment of the bill as a result.{{Cite web |last=Ninivaggi |first=Gabriele |date=2023-05-12 |title=LDP moves toward giving LGBTQ bill OK after concessions to conservatives |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/05/12/national/ldp-lgbtq-bill-agreement-conservatives/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=The Japan Times |language=en}} Revisions were made in consultation with conservative factions of the LDP, Nippon Ishin no Kai and the Democratic Party for the People, which severely watered-down the bill.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-09 |title=【国対】自公維国の国対委員長会談でLGBT理解増進法案の修正を確認 {{!}} 新・国民民主党 – つくろう、新しい答え。 |url=https://new-kokumin.jp/news/diet/20230609_1 |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609065949/https://new-kokumin.jp/news/diet/20230609_1 |archive-date=2023-06-09 }} As a result, the bill was opposed by opposition parties including the Constitutional Democratic Party, Japanese Communist Party, Reiwa Shinsengumi, and the Social Democratic Party, as well as hardline conservatives of the LDP, and women's rights advocates{{Cite web |date=2023-06-08 |title=LGBT法案で、損をした政党、得をした政党はどこか？（千田有紀） – 個人 – Yahoo!ニュース |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/byline/sendayuki/20230608-00352878 |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608081815/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/byline/sendayuki/20230608-00352878 |archive-date=2023-06-08 }}{{Cite web |date=2023-06-11 |title=【正論モーニング】ＬＧＢＴ法成立で「女が消える」 芥川賞作家、笙野頼子氏が語る危険性 – 産経ニュース |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20230526-B6YKCFYNMFK5ZK5ZPSILOEJGS4/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611051017/https://www.sankei.com/article/20230526-B6YKCFYNMFK5ZK5ZPSILOEJGS4/ |archive-date=2023-06-11 }}{{Cite web |date=2023-06-11 |title=「女性の定義を守る会」などＬＧＢＴ法廃案を要請 – 産経ニュース |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20230607-4MF3BAHCTJOUNNQUXFWDYRYQKU/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611030706/https://www.sankei.com/article/20230607-4MF3BAHCTJOUNNQUXFWDYRYQKU/ |archive-date=2023-06-11 }}{{Cite web |date=2023-06-16 |title=滝本弁護士、女性スペース確保法を ＬＧＢＴ法審議 – 産経ニュース |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20230615-ER32Z44LOFMINIA7VPDKT3ECLA/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616020644/https://www.sankei.com/article/20230615-ER32Z44LOFMINIA7VPDKT3ECLA/ |archive-date=2023-06-16 }} while LGBT rights advocates and organizations expressed the opinion that the legislation "rolled back our efforts to advance LGBT rights" and "promotes discrimination against sexual minorities."{{Cite web |date=2023-06-10 |title=「取り組みや理解を後退」当事者団体がLGBT法案修正案に抗議 {{!}} 毎日新聞 |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20230609/k00/00m/040/325000c |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610180913/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20230609/k00/00m/040/325000c |archive-date=2023-06-10 }}{{Cite web |date=2023-06-14 |title=修正されたLGBT法案 参院での審議に反対 当事者たちが抗議活動：朝日新聞デジタル |url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASR6G71VVR6GUTFL00R.html |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614133054/https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASR6G71VVR6GUTFL00R.html |archive-date=2023-06-14 }}{{Cite web |date=2023-06-06 |title=性的少数者団体が会見 「ＬＧＢＴ法は不要」 – 産経ニュース |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20230501-G2ZLVYKWINOIVNPFJBSTRIARQE/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606182507/https://www.sankei.com/article/20230501-G2ZLVYKWINOIVNPFJBSTRIARQE/ |archive-date=2023-06-06 }}
Legislative history
On 12 May 2023, a joint meeting of the LDP's Special Mission Committee on Sexual Minorities and First Subcommittee of the Cabinet was held and despite persistent opposition to the bill, the discussion was cut short by the committee chairmen and approved the bill. Member of the House of Councillors Masaaki Akaike said in his X account: "I asked for careful deliberation until the very end, but even with the majority of votes being against the bill, the decision was made to leave it to the chairperson, which is an irresponsible policy deliberation and party management."{{Cite web |last=慎平 |first=奥原 |date=2023-05-13 |title=ＬＧＢＴ法案一任 自民保守系から不満噴出 |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20230513-ASQCKQBRMVKFFDLVHKDALPCO7Y/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=産経ニュース |language=ja}}
On May 18, the LDP and Komeito submitted the government coalition's draft bill to the House of Representatives.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-23 |title=自公がＬＧＢＴ法案を提出 当事者ら反発「教育を軽視」 時代の正体 ＬＧＢＴＱ＋考 {{!}} カナロコ by 神奈川新聞 |url=https://www.kanaloco.jp/news/social/article-990466.html |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523000358/https://www.kanaloco.jp/news/social/article-990466.html |archive-date=2023-05-23 }} The government coalition draft was a revision of the original draft agreed upon by the Diet Members Caucus for LGBT-related Issues back in May 2021, rewording and weakening certain words inside the bill to appease conservatives within both parties.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-14 |title=ＬＧＢＴ４党修正可決/衆院本会議 共産党など反対 |url=https://www.jcp.or.jp/akahata/aik23/2023-06-14/2023061402_03_0.html |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614080552/https://www.jcp.or.jp/akahata/aik23/2023-06-14/2023061402_03_0.html |archive-date=2023-06-14 }} In opposition to the revisions, the original draft was also submitted to the House of Representatives by the CDP, JCP and SDP.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-10 |title=LGBT理解増進法案を国会へ提出 – 立憲民主党 |url=https://cdp-japan.jp/news/20230518_6080 |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610125826/https://cdp-japan.jp/news/20230518_6080 |archive-date=2023-06-10 }}{{Cite web |date=2023-05-27 |title=性自認理由の差別許されない/超党派合意のＬＧＢＴ理解増進法案/共産・立民・社民 共同提出 |url=https://www.jcp.or.jp/akahata/aik23/2023-05-19/2023051901_01_0.html |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527125953/https://www.jcp.or.jp/akahata/aik23/2023-05-19/2023051901_01_0.html |archive-date=2023-05-27 }}
On May 26, JIP and the DPFP submitted to the House of Representatives a draft of the legislation that was different from both the original draft and the government coalition's draft{{Cite web |date=2023-06-04 |title=【法案提出】「性多様性理解増進法案」を提出 {{!}} 新・国民民主党 – つくろう、新しい答え。 |url=https://new-kokumin.jp/news/policy/20230526_2 |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604174951/https://new-kokumin.jp/news/policy/20230526_2 |archive-date=2023-06-04 }} with further revisions that weakened the effectiveness of the bill.
On June 7, the government and opposition parties agreed that the three bills (original bill, government coalition revision and JIP-DPFP revision) would be discussed together in the Cabinet Committee of the House of Representatives on June 9 and voted on the same day.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-10 |title=LGBT法案、9日に衆院内閣委採決 立憲が付帯決議案、焦点に {{!}} 毎日新聞 |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20230607/k00/00m/010/257000c |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610181009/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20230607/k00/00m/010/257000c |archive-date=2023-06-10 }}
On June 9, the LDP, Komeito, JIP and the DPFP agreed to combine the government coalition revision and the JIP-DPFP revision into one legislation, almost fully incorporating the contents of the JIP-DPFP revision. The new LDP-Komeito-JIP-DPFP revision also added a provision stating that the legislation should focus on "taking care to ensure that all citizens can live their lives in peace" to include representation of cisgender and heterosexual individuals in the bill.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-10 |title=ＬＧＢＴ法案 維新・国民案反映の与党案、衆院内閣委で可決 – 産経ニュース |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20230609-DGETSJ3XENPFNJQMIALR57RWLU/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610115912/https://www.sankei.com/article/20230609-DGETSJ3XENPFNJQMIALR57RWLU/ |archive-date=2023-06-10 }}{{Cite web |date=2023-06-09 |title=ＬＧＢＴ法、衆院委で可決 維国案受け入れ与党修正（共同通信）｜熊本日日新聞社 |url=https://kumanichi.com/articles/1072630 |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609144053/https://kumanichi.com/articles/1072630 |archive-date=2023-06-09 }}
The House of Representatives Cabinet Committee on the same day approved the LDP-Komeito-JIP-DPFP revision after a majority vote while the original bill was rejected.
On June 13, at a plenary session of the House of Representatives, the LDP-Komeito-JIP-DPFP revision was approved by a majority vote.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-13 |title=LGBT法案を可決 衆院本会議 {{!}} 毎日新聞 |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20230613/k00/00m/010/094000c |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613045249/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20230613/k00/00m/010/094000c |archive-date=2023-06-13 }} Seven LDP lawmakers were absent in the voting, with the most notable being Shuichi Takatori. Takatori left the chamber moments before voting began and returned after the vote was over. Takatori stated that the reason for leaving the chamber was that he had a stomach ache, and denied rumors that he left in opposition to the bill but later admitted that he had concerns over the contents of the legislation.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-13 |title=LGBT法案 「おなか痛い」自民・高鳥修一議員が退席 衆院本会議 {{!}} 毎日新聞 |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20230613/k00/00m/010/107000c |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613054646/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20230613/k00/00m/010/107000c |archive-date=2023-06-13 }}{{Cite web |date=2023-06-14 |title=ＬＧＢＴ衆院本会議採決 自民・高鳥氏が退席 ７人が欠席 – 産経ニュース |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20230613-RQLHRQ7DTFOVNNVFF6NS7ODYRQ/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614090121/https://www.sankei.com/article/20230613-RQLHRQ7DTFOVNNVFF6NS7ODYRQ/ |archive-date=2023-06-14 }} The original bill was rejected during the same session.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-14 |title=ＬＧＢＴ法案が衆院通過 与党、１６日成立目指す：時事ドットコム |url=https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2023061300126 |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614090442/https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2023061300126 |archive-date=2023-06-14 }}
On June 15, the House of Councillors Cabinet Committee voted on the same day after deliberations began, and the LDP-Komeito-JIP-DPFP bill was passed with a majority vote.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-14 |title=ＬＧＢＴ法案 衆院通過、１６日成立見通し – 産経ニュース |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20230613-GTVDTQLEM5KLHBG4EPRULK4MGU/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614102032/https://www.sankei.com/article/20230613-GTVDTQLEM5KLHBG4EPRULK4MGU/ |archive-date=2023-06-14 }}{{Cite web |date=2023-06-15 |title=LGBT法修正案、参院委で可決 国会会期末までに成立へ {{!}} 毎日新聞 |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20230615/k00/00m/010/119000c |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615061746/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20230615/k00/00m/010/119000c |archive-date=2023-06-15 }} The original bill was rejected during the same session.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-15 |title=LGBT法案、参院委員会で可決 立憲ら、採決反対も受け入れられず [岸田政権]：朝日新聞デジタル |url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASR6H6QBXR6HUTFK00K.html |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615132936/https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASR6H6QBXR6HUTFK00K.html |archive-date=2023-06-15 }}
On June 16, at a plenary session of the House of Councillors the LDP-Komeito-JIP-DPFP bill was passed with a majority vote, and enacted.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-16 |title=LGBT法案採決での自民議員退席 世耕参院幹事長「党議拘束に反した行動」 {{!}} TBS NEWS DIG |url=https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/547714 |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616105715/https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/547714 |archive-date=2023-06-16 }} Three LDP councilors: Akiko Santo, Shigeharu Aoyama, and Masamune Wada left the room during the vote, resulting in Secretary-General of the LDP in the House of Councillors Hiroshige Seko announcing his intention to give disciplinary actions to the three.
On June 23, the law was promulgated and went into effect.{{Cite web |title=日本法令索引 |url=https://hourei.ndl.go.jp/#/detail?lawId=0000161546 |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=hourei.ndl.go.jp}}
= Comparison of the bills =
The table below shows the following differences between the four bills that have been submitted.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-18 |title=もはや「LGBT理解抑制法」与党と維国の再修正案が衆院内閣委員会で可決（松岡宗嗣） – 個人 – Yahoo!ニュース |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/byline/matsuokasoshi/20230610-00353187 |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618151931/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/byline/matsuokasoshi/20230610-00353187 |archive-date=2023-06-18 }}{{Cite web |date=2023-05-29 |title=衆法 第211回国会 14 性的指向及び性自認の多様性に関する国民の理解の増進に関する法律案 |url=https://www.shugiin.go.jp/internet/itdb_gian.nsf/html/gian/honbun/houan/g21105014.htm |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529050348/https://www.shugiin.go.jp/internet/itdb_gian.nsf/html/gian/honbun/houan/g21105014.htm |archive-date=2023-05-29 }}{{Cite web |date=2023-06-13 |title=●性的指向及び性同一性の多様性に関する国民の理解の増進に関する法律案 |url=https://www.shugiin.go.jp/internet/itdb_gian.nsf/html/gian/honbun/houan/g21105013.htm |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613190521/https://www.shugiin.go.jp/internet/itdb_gian.nsf/html/gian/honbun/houan/g21105013.htm |archive-date=2023-06-13 }}{{Cite web |date=2023-06-13 |title=●性的指向及びジェンダーアイデンティティの多様性に関する国民の理解の増進に関する法律案 |url=https://www.shugiin.go.jp/internet/itdb_gian.nsf/html/gian/honbun/houan/g21105016.htm |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613191132/https://www.shugiin.go.jp/internet/itdb_gian.nsf/html/gian/honbun/houan/g21105016.htm |archive-date=2023-06-13 }}{{Cite web |date=2023-06-13 |title=衆法 第211回国会 13 性的指向及び性同一性の多様性に関する国民の理解の増進に関する法律案に対する修正案 |url=https://www.shugiin.go.jp/internet/itdb_gian.nsf/html/gian/honbun/syuuseian/1_83B2.htm |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613021935/https://www.shugiin.go.jp/internet/itdb_gian.nsf/html/gian/honbun/syuuseian/1_83B2.htm |archive-date=2023-06-13 }}
| class="wikitable"
|+ Comparison of bills submitted ! ! style="background-color:skyblue;" | Bipartisan agreement (Original bill) ! style="background-color:lightpink;" | Government coalition revision ! style="background-color:moccasin;" | JIP-DPFP revision ! style="background-color:lavender;" | LDP-Komeito-JIP-DPFP revision |
| Parties |
|---|
| Definition
|性自認 (Seijinin) Gender Identity
| 性同一性 (Seidōitsusei) Gender Identity
| ジェンダーアイデンティティ (Jendāaidentiti) Gender Identity
| ジェンダーアイデンティティadopted |
| Principle
| "Discrimination is not tolerated" | | | |
| Research
| "Promoting Research and Studies" [for a more inclusive society] | "Promoting Academic Research" | "Promoting Academic Research" | "Promoting Academic Research" adopted |
| Education
| "Responsibility of the school management" to promote inclusive education | "Responsibility of the school employees" to promote inclusive education | "Responsibility of the school employees to provide education appropriate to physical and mental development of the students with the understanding and cooperation of parents and guardians." | "Responsibility of the school employees to provide education appropriate to physical and mental development of the students with the understanding and cooperation of parents and guardians." adopted |
| Other support
| "Promote voluntary activities of private [LGBT rights] organizations" | "Promote voluntary activities of private [LGBT rights] organizations" | {{no2|Removed}} | {{no2|Removed}} |
| Addendum
| {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} | "To ensure that all citizens can live in peace and security." | "To ensure that all citizens can live in peace and security." adopted |
Reaction
= Domestic =
== Liberal Democratic Party ==
Several high-profile LDP lawmakers such as Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yasutoshi Nishimura, Secretary-General of the LDP in the House of Councillors Hiroshige Seko, and Seiko Hashimoto formed a new Diet group following the passage of the bill named Parliamentary League for Protecting the Safety and Security of All Women and Ensuring Fairness in Women's Sports (全ての女性の安心・安全と女子スポーツの公平性等を守る議員連盟) to secure "the 'right to life' of women by establishing a system that protects their safety and security."{{Cite web |last=慎平 |first=奥原 |date=2023-11-09 |title=自民・女性守る議連「心理的性別だけで性別変更そぐわない」手術不能要件違憲決定に |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20231109-FUOKJUBEJJGNPPYJG5PPOVV3C4/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=産経ニュース |language=ja}} As of July 2023, the Diet group has at least 100 members from both houses of the National Diet.{{Cite web |last=INC |first=SANKEI DIGITAL |date=2023-07-20 |title=「自民女性を守る議連」１００人突破、全メンバー 専用スペース「生来の女性に」 |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20230720-XRFN6XUMKBOUDDUOTX3UTMKOUM/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=産経ニュース |language=ja}}
Shuichi Takatori, the LDP representative who left the House of Representatives chamber before voting citing a stomach ache, said in an interview with journalist Kaori Arimoto that he actually left due to his disapproval with the bill, stating that "I had argued so much against the legislation. It was difficult for me to express my approval."{{Cite web |date=2023-06-15 |title=「自民党は変わった」高鳥修一衆院議員、ＬＧＢＴ法案採決時に退席 体調不良が理由も…「賛成の意思表示をすることは困難だった」（1/2ページ） – zakzak：夕刊フジ公式サイト |url=https://www.zakzak.co.jp/article/20230614-GDL3PNTC45MLDADJ3MNTHZFU2Y/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615064944/https://www.zakzak.co.jp/article/20230614-GDL3PNTC45MLDADJ3MNTHZFU2Y/ |archive-date=2023-06-15 }} He also stated that the LDP has "changed" towards a more moderate and liberal social stance following the assassination of Shinzo Abe in 2022.
Akiko Santo, member and former president of the House of Councillors who left the chamber before voting began, cited possibilities of "people pretending to be a woman entering women's restrooms and other women-only spaces." as her basis of abstaining. She furthered "If this bill passes and the trend becomes that it is natural to accept anything, it will become a very serious problem."{{Cite web |date=2023-06-16 |title=自民・山東氏、ＬＧＢＴ法案採決退席「生煮えの状態」 – 産経ニュース |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20230616-HE4KNVVTHZKCDMJG2UJOBUPLAI/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616044536/https://www.sankei.com/article/20230616-HE4KNVVTHZKCDMJG2UJOBUPLAI/ |archive-date=2023-06-16 }}
Shigeharu Aoyama, member of the House of Councilors who left the chamber before voting began, said that "all concerns have not been addressed" as his basis to not voting. Aoyama disagreed on replacement of the phrase 性同一性 (Seidōitsusei) with ジェンダーアイデンティティ (Jendāaidentiti) following the merging of the Government coalition and JIP-DPFP revisions, saying, "people have hardly ever used this word. I disagree with the replacement of the Japanese word with katakana". He also voiced his disapproval of the clause regarding education to promote "inclusive education" to students.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-16 |title=自民・青山氏、ＬＧＢＴ法で退席「懸念払拭されず」 – 産経ニュース |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20230616-FAD2D4RZVJOW5P2HBYRKSSA5RM/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616045327/https://www.sankei.com/article/20230616-FAD2D4RZVJOW5P2HBYRKSSA5RM/ |archive-date=2023-06-16 }}
Masamune Wada, member of the House of Councilors who left the chamber before voting began said that "My withdrawal was the result of listening to the voices of many citizens, party members, and supporters. I did this with my own people in mind."{{Cite web |title=自民・和田氏、ＬＧＢＴ法で退席「国民の声を受け止めた」 |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20230616-MTVG4PSDEFO23B3FIATC3WF23M/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616045819/https://www.sankei.com/article/20230616-MTVG4PSDEFO23B3FIATC3WF23M/ |archive-date=16 June 2023 |website=Sankei Shimbun}}
== Constitutional Democratic Party ==
Katsuya Okada, secretary general of the CDP criticized the government coalition's revision, saying, "It is a major step backward from what was agreed upon in a bipartisan manner. We have received no explanation for this."{{Cite web |date=2023-05-16 |title=財務大臣不信任決議案、LGBT法案などについて発言 岡田幹事長会見 – 立憲民主党 |url=https://cdp-japan.jp/news/20230516_6070 |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516204512/https://cdp-japan.jp/news/20230516_6070 |archive-date=2023-05-16 }}
Jun Azumi, chairman of the Diet task force of the CDP, said that the government coalition's revision was "vague and lame. It is a rare disgrace in the history of Japanese law."
House of Councillors member Taiga Ishikawa, the first openly-gay member of the National Diet said he "felt a mixture of deep sadness, anger, and resentment," and furthered, "I want to support a bill that actually eliminates discrimination."{{Cite web |date=2023-06-16 |title=LGBT法採決、参院でも自民3議員が退席 「納得いかぬ内容」 {{!}} 毎日新聞 |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20230616/k00/00m/010/313000c |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616112400/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20230616/k00/00m/010/313000c |archive-date=2023-06-16 }}
The CDP submitted a motion of no confidence against the Kishida Cabinet on 16 June 2023, citing the LDP's revision of the original bipartisan bill as one of the reasons for the motion.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-16 |title=泉代表「岸田内閣不信任決議案を提出することを決定」 – 立憲民主党 |url=https://cdp-japan.jp/news/20230616_6287 |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616092651/https://cdp-japan.jp/news/20230616_6287 |archive-date=2023-06-16 }} The no-confidence motion was rejected following a majority vote.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-16 |title=岸田内閣に対する不信任決議案 反対多数で否決 衆院本会議 {{!}} NHK |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20230616/k10014101281000.html |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616071701/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20230616/k10014101281000.html |archive-date=2023-06-16 }}
== LGBT rights advocates ==
The LGBT Law Federation [
On 14 June, several LGBT rights activists protested in front of the National Diet Building against the passage of the legislation, citing that the government coalition's revision would "do nothing but promote further discrimination against sexual minorities."
== Others ==
{{Further|Conservative Party of Japan}}
Tomoko Yoshino, president of the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (RENGO) criticized the bill saying, "It is extremely regrettable that the Diet deliberations proceeded on a bill that is backward from the original bipartisan bill. RENGO also expressed its intention to push for the amendment of the law and the enactment of a separate legislation that clearly stipulates the prohibition of discrimination against sexual minorities.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-15 |title=連合会長、ＬＧＢＴ法案「内容後退で遺憾」 差別禁止規定求める – 産経ニュース |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20230615-LQVQNNXXG5LAVHFKNFHBRMBMP4/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615134608/https://www.sankei.com/article/20230615-LQVQNNXXG5LAVHFKNFHBRMBMP4/ |archive-date=2023-06-15 }}
Novelist, television producer and right-wing political commentator Naoki Hyakuta expressed strong opposition to the bill and declared that he would run for the House of Representatives and form a new party if the bill were to be enacted. Following the passage of the bill, Hyakuta, alongside journalist Kaori Arminoto founded the far-right Conservative Party of Japan on 1 September 2023.{{Cite web |last=INC |first=SANKEI DIGITAL |date=2023-08-29 |title=「百田新党」９月１日にＳＮＳで発信開始 百田尚樹氏と有本香氏出演の「あさ８」で発表 |url=https://www.zakzak.co.jp/article/20230829-K6B4D746VVPY5OXQTES7J2M6H4/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=zakzak：夕刊フジ公式サイト |language=ja}} As of April 2024, the party has more than 60,000 members,{{Cite web |date=2023-10-24 |title=システム改修のお知らせ – 日本保守党｜日本を豊かに、強く。 |url=https://hoshuto.jp/2023/10/24/system-news/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=hoshuto.jp |language=ja}} 9 seats in municipal assemblies,{{Cite web |date=2024-02-21 |title=地方議員 – 日本保守党｜日本を豊かに、強く。 |url=https://hoshuto.jp/member/local/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=hoshuto.jp |language=ja}} and is the most followed Japanese political party on X.{{Cite web |last=INC |first=SANKEI DIGITAL |date=2023-09-16 |title=圧巻の〝自民超え〟日本保守党のⅩフォロワー数、国内政党で１位に 開設わずか１５日で大躍進 百田尚樹氏「歴史的だ」 （1/2ページ） |url=https://www.zakzak.co.jp/article/20230916-FFBJUJENZNKJLHWZOUMQFJKLY4/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=zakzak：夕刊フジ公式サイト |language=ja}}
= International =
U.S. ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said that "Japan turned the tide today with the Diet’s passage of the LGBT law." Congratulating prime minister Fumio Kishida "for his leadership" and commending the Japanese public for their "commitment to LGBTQI+ rights." He added that the legislation is a "significant step on the journey to securing equal rights for all."{{Cite web |last=INC |first=SANKEI DIGITAL |date=2023-06-16 |title=エマニュエル米大使、ＬＧＢＴ法歓迎「流れ変わった」 |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20230616-BE3XNSFHUZI6BM5YDT5YKTPYGM/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=産経ニュース |language=ja}}
The Human Rights Watch said that while the passage of the bill is a "step forward", furthered that the bill "does not fully ensure equal protection, and further action, including a comprehensive nondiscrimination act, which is urged by advocates is needed."{{Cite web |date=2023-07-12 |title=Japan Passes Law to 'Promote Understanding' of LGBT People {{!}} Human Rights Watch |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/07/12/japan-passes-law-promote-understanding-lgbt-people |access-date=2024-03-24 |language=en}}