Today is 'Transgender Visibility Day'... Human Rights Commissioner: "We Must Discuss Enacting the Equality Act"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] On the 31st, marking the 'Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV),' Choi Young-ae, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, called for the enactment of the 'Equality Act' to eliminate discrimination against sexual minorities.

In a statement released that day, Chairperson Choi said, "Despite international trends, domestically, laws and policies related to transgender human rights have not been established, and due to social prejudice and discrimination, transgender individuals must take significant risks to reveal their existence."

International organizations such as the United Nations Human Rights Council and treaty bodies, as well as the Council of Europe, have issued resolutions, recommendations, and general comments prohibiting discrimination based on transgender gender identity and recommend that each country take measures to prevent hatred and discrimination against transgender people.

Chairperson Choi stated, "The very fact that transgender individuals must summon courage to reveal their existence clearly shows our society's discriminatory perception of transgender people," adding, "We had to bid farewell to playwright Lee Eun-yong, music teacher and politician Kim Ki-hong, and the proud soldier Byun Hee-soo."

Chairperson Choi especially emphasized, "The government and the National Assembly must join the efforts of all sectors of our society to eliminate discrimination against sexual minorities," and stressed, "To resolve issues of discrimination and exclusion against sexual minorities, the principle of 'all citizens are equal before the law' enshrined in the Constitution must be reflected in legislation and policies." She added, "The National Assembly should promptly proceed with discussions on the enactment of the Equality Act to eliminate discrimination in our society and realize equality."

Finally, Chairperson Choi said, "The Human Rights Commission expresses support and solidarity to sexual minority individuals and all those who act for sexual minority human rights, and will strive even harder for a world where no one is left out and everyone can live with dignity."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.