Jang Hye-young: "Lee Jun-seok, Just as Male Discrimination Is Not Allowed... Uphold the Fairness Principle That Discrimination Against Sexual Minorities Is Also Not Allowed"

Jang Hye-young, a Justice Party lawmaker, is speaking at a press conference held on the 15th at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, titled "Report on 100,000 Signatures for the Anti-Discrimination Act and Legislative Urging." [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Jang Hye-young, a Justice Party lawmaker, criticized Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, saying, "It is truly regrettable to see Lee hesitating in front of the Anti-Discrimination Act," and urged him to "uphold the principle of fairness that men should not be discriminated against, and likewise, homosexuals, bisexuals, and transgender people should not face discrimination."

Earlier, on the 17th, Lee stated on BBS Radio's 'Park Kyung-soo's Morning Journal' regarding the enactment of the Anti-Discrimination Act, "I agree in principle with broadly addressing discrimination issues, but there is insufficient social discussion to reach the legislative stage," adding, "Now is premature."

In response, on the same day, Lawmaker Jang posted on Facebook a message titled 'A Sincere Advice to Leader Lee,' saying, "I can somewhat understand. The People Power Party has held old prejudices, especially against sexual minorities, including the Anti-Discrimination Act, and there may be fear that the current high approval ratings might collapse if they stand firm on their convictions," she stated.

She continued, "However, we must not forget that Lee's high popularity stems precisely from his convictions against the old vested interests within the party. If he fails to uphold those convictions and already starts to heed the opposition voices of vested interests or approval ratings, nothing will be achieved in the end," advising, "Change and reform must be carried out when support is at its highest."

A post by Justice Party lawmaker Jang Hye-young on Facebook on the 17th. Photo by Jang.

Lawmaker Jang pointed out Lee's remark on the 14th on KBS's 'Open Debate' that "there has been a fairly mature discussion regarding the Anti-Discrimination Act," saying, "It is uncharacteristic of Lee, who always emphasizes logic day and night, that the 'mature discussion' suddenly turned into an 'immature stage' in just three days."

She added, "Claiming that it is difficult to support the Anti-Discrimination Act because there are Christians among People Power Party supporters is a huge leap that categorizes all Christians as opponents of the Anti-Discrimination Act," urging, "Please have the courage to speak your convictions."

Meanwhile, the Anti-Discrimination Act, which Lawmaker Jang proposed in June last year, was not specifically discussed for a year but was reintroduced on the 16th by Lee Sang-min of the Democratic Party of Korea under the name 'Equality Act.' On the 14th, a National Assembly petition for the enactment of the Anti-Discrimination Act achieved the early requirement of 100,000 signatures in just 22 days.

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