Democratic Party Meets Harisu, Promises to Promote Anti-Discrimination Law..."67% of Citizens Support Legislation"

Harisu "I think it is a law for the family, so please support it together"

Transgender broadcaster Harisu is speaking at a meeting on the enactment of the Anti-Discrimination Act (Equality Act) held at the National Assembly on the afternoon of the 11th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] The Democratic Party of Korea met with transgender broadcaster Harisu (47, real name Lee Kyung-eun) and promised to push for the enactment of the Anti-Discrimination Act (Equality Act).

On the afternoon of the 11th, Democratic Party co-emergency committee chairman Yoon Ho-jung and floor leader Park Hong-geun met with Harisu and Lim Tae-hoon, director of the Military Human Rights Center, at the National Assembly main building for a 'meeting regarding the enactment of the Anti-Discrimination Act.' This meeting was arranged at Harisu's request.

During the meeting, discussions were held on the necessity of enacting the Anti-Discrimination Act and the significance of the legislation. In his opening remarks, Chairman Yoon said, "The enactment of the Equality Act was the first commitment I made when I took office as emergency committee chairman and held a press conference," adding, "Our intention is to establish by law that everyone is equal before the law and has the right to be treated equally in society."

Chairman Yoon continued, "The Equality Act has been proposed, pending, and repealed repeatedly in the National Assembly for 15 years, but recently, a public opinion poll showed that 67% of the public supports the enactment of the Equality Act. The Supreme Court has also issued rulings that curb discrimination against sexual minorities and soldiers," emphasizing, "I hope that today’s meeting will mark a turning point in the push for the enactment of the Equality Act."

Floor leader Park said, "It is the duty of the National Assembly to agree on the detailed schedule for public hearings between the ruling and opposition parties and to immediately correct any distortions related to the bill."

Harisu stated, "People with disabilities face many difficulties when using public transportation, and elderly people often experience similar challenges. The Anti-Discrimination Act is not a law just for sexual minorities or other minorities, but a law for your families," urging, "Please think of it as a law for your families and support it with a good heart."

After the meeting, Director Lim told reporters, "The Democratic Party leadership’s position has been somewhat coordinated, and they said they would take time to discuss opinions with their affiliated lawmakers," adding, "I confirmed that their willingness to push forward is clearly different from past leadership."

In the 21st National Assembly, Democratic Party lawmakers Kwon In-sook’s 'Act on Equality and Prohibition of Discrimination' and Park Joo-min and Lee Sang-min’s 'Act on Equality' have been proposed.

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