[Relay Interview①] Kwon In-sook “How to Set the Standard at the Bottom”

Interview with Lawmakers Co-sponsoring the Anti-Discrimination Act

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Kwon In-sook, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, has always taken the lead in raising her voice for the advancement of human rights. Recently, she showed strong determination to improve military human rights by even transferring her standing committee membership from the Education Committee to the Defense Committee after the occurrence of a sexual violence incident in the Air Force.

In an interview with Asia Economy, Representative Kwon defined the Anti-Discrimination Act as “a law that sets the baseline standard.” She emphasized that the Anti-Discrimination Act is a legal declaration of social consensus on what should not be tolerated. The following is a Q&A with Representative Kwon.

Kwon In-sook, member of the Democratic Party of Korea./Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

- Why is the Anti-Discrimination Act necessary?

= Because it is too invisible. The biggest evidence is that there are almost no people who have come out. Among sexual minorities, homosexuals are hardly visible in our society. Generally, about 5% is estimated, and in fact, the number is much larger than that of transgender people. Transgender individuals inevitably have conditions that make them visible externally, so they have had to speak out more. However, the fact that homosexuals are not this visible is an unbelievable reality even compared to other countries. Ultimately, there is an enormous feeling of discrimination, being seen as strange, unfamiliar, and untouchable. Too many people have to live hiding their identities.

- Which part of the bill did you focus on?

= The goal is to set a very basic standard. It means not allowing this level of behavior in our society. It is the foundation of morality, a level of decency. In the U.S., reports emerged of Asian Korean women being murdered due to the COVID-19 aftermath. It shows the harsh reality when hatred and discrimination are socially tolerated. The Anti-Discrimination Act sets the baseline standard that at least people should not be treated like this.

- Why has the law still not been passed?

= It is directly connected to votes. For lawmakers with constituencies, it is an immediate reality. It is fear and fatigue. They say complaints flood in to the point that they cannot work. There is also a sense of defeat accumulated over the long period during which the bill has not been passed. I think the death of former Corporal Byun Hee-soo could be a turning point.

- If the Anti-Discrimination Act had existed, would the situation of former Corporal Byun have been different?

= The Ministry of National Defense would not have acted so recklessly. Because it would have been discrimination, a prohibited act. Not all discrimination would disappear, but the Anti-Discrimination Act is a consensual declaration. It means “let’s not do this much.” All acts of extreme hate speech would be somewhat regulated. Extreme cases would be addressed, and there is much that needs to change together.

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