Joo Jinwoo Criticizes Won Minkyoung's Call for Urgent Anti-Discrimination Law: "Trying to Legally Protect Homosexuality and Change Youth Perceptions?"

"Infringement on Religious Freedom and a Surge in Lawsuits"
"Uncoordinated Personal Convictions?Is She Qualified to Be Minister?"

A member of the People Power Party is giving an interview to Asia Economy at the National Assembly on the 28th of last month. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Assemblyman Joo Jinwoo of the People Power Party harshly criticized Won Minkyoung, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, for stating that the enactment of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law is very necessary. He argued that despite President Lee Jaemyung's remarks during his presidential campaign and post-inauguration press conference that "livelihood and the economy are more urgent," Won is ignoring this and taking a more proactive stance than the government itself.

On the 19th, Assemblyman Joo wrote on his Facebook, "Won Minkyoung, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, said that the need for enacting a comprehensive anti-discrimination law is very great, and that the perception gap regarding gender equality among the younger generation is severe," expressing his criticism.

Assemblyman Joo stated, "This is an idea to legally protect homosexuality and to change the perception of the younger generation who oppose it. The attempt to expand the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family into the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Affairs is in the same context," adding, "This is a much more aggressive stance than that of presidential candidate Lee Jaemyung. Is she already trying to break campaign promises? The comprehensive anti-discrimination law infringes on the core of constitutionally guaranteed religious freedom by sanctioning even sermons opposing homosexuality."

He continued, "Religious organizations and companies would have to prove that they did not discriminate, and could be subject to punitive damages. If lawsuits become rampant, shareholders will bear the costs," and added, "This is a long-cherished bill of the Progressive Party, which supported Lee Jaemyung during the presidential election. How many campaign bills are you planning to push? Yesterday's remarks by Kang Minkyoung, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, sounded like those of a civic group leader. If you want to make personal statements not coordinated with the government, do it outside the government."

Won Minkyoung, Nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family: "Severe Perception Gap on Gender Equality Among Youth... Anti-Discrimination Law is Needed"

Won Minkyoung, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, told reporters on her first day commuting to the Korea Youth Activity Promotion Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the 18th to prepare for her confirmation hearing, that the perception gap regarding gender equality among the younger generation is severe.

Won Minkyoung, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, is expressing her feelings about the nomination as she arrives at the confirmation hearing office set up at the Korea Youth Activity Promotion Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul on the 18th. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

She stated, "Although the level of gender equality in Korean society has improved over time, the significant gaps in gender wage disparity, safety concerns related to gender-based violence, gender roles in caregiving and domestic labor, and the perception gap on gender equality among the younger generation are all very serious issues," adding, "I intend to prioritize closing these various gaps in implementing policies."

Regarding the discussion on revising the rape law, she said, "I understand that the discussion is aimed at addressing the blind spots in the current criminal law where perpetrators cannot be punished, and at viewing the criteria for judging sexual violence from the perspective of basic rights," adding, "I will create a forum for public discussion where experts in the field, stakeholders, and related ministries such as the Ministry of Justice can discuss various opinions, including opposing views."

On the enactment of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law, she said, "I believe the necessity and significance are very great, as it would enable all members of society to effectively respond to unreasonable discrimination and provide fundamental remedies for the socially disadvantaged," adding, "I will actively cooperate with the National Human Rights Commission, which has been working to correct and eliminate discrimination."

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