Song Doohwan, Human Rights Commissioner, "Regret over Slow Progress on Enacting Anti-Discrimination Law... Repeated Call for Prompt Legislation"

Song Doo-hwan, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea. / Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Song Doo-hwan, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, expressed regret over the stalled discussions in the National Assembly regarding the enactment of the 'Equality Act' (Anti-Discrimination Act) and urged for its prompt passage.

In a statement on the 10th, Chairperson Song said, "As of today, the deadline for the review response on the 'Petition for the Enactment of the Anti-Discrimination Act,' no substantial discussions have taken place in the National Assembly," adding, "I express deep regret that no discussions for the enactment of the Equality Act have been held in the 21st National Assembly so far."

Currently, there are four anti-discrimination bills submitted to the National Assembly, including the 'Anti-Discrimination Act' led by Jang Hye-young of the Justice Party, the 'Equality Act' proposed by Lee Sang-min of the Democratic Party of Korea, and two other 'Equality Act' and 'Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act' bills respectively introduced by Park Joo-min and Kwon In-sook of the same party.

Chairperson Song pointed out, "The 25th marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Human Rights Commission," and added, "Although various human rights issues have been publicized, drafted into laws, implemented, or reflected in government policies since the Commission's establishment, the Equality Act has yet to pass the National Assembly's threshold." He emphasized, "The enactment of the Equality Act is a societal task that can neither be reversed nor postponed, and the rationale of public consensus and social agreement can no longer justify the National Assembly's silence."

Chairperson Song stated, "The Human Rights Commission accepts the solemn request of the people to enact the Equality Act and once again urges the National Assembly to promptly proceed with the legislative process for the Equality Act," and added, "We will continue to make every effort necessary to realize the enactment of the Equality Act with the goal of equality for all."

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