In recent days, the bill on LGBT has been drawing Japanese media’s attention.

This is the bill for the “Law for Enhancing Public Understanding of LGBT”.

The committee agreed to amend the ruling party’s draft of the bill on the 9th of this month.

With regards to the population in Japan, there are a few data from multiple organizations, however, the average number of the population could be said to be about 10 percent (one out of ten people). This is almost the same number as the population of left-handed people in Japan, which could give us the impression that the population of LGBT in Japan is not too small. (Reference)

〈LGBT population in Japan〉

According to OECD, the social acceptance of LGBT and the legal recognition of LGBT are as follows (Reference) :

〈Acceptance of LGBT〉

〈Legal recognition of LGBT〉

It could be said as the figures show that the world society including Japan has still a long way to fully accept LGBT.

This is my personal perspective; the reason of LGBT rights being not guaranteed in many countries is the religious background.

For example, the Catholic Church does not have the power to bless same-sex unions, the Vatican office responsible for doctrine has said while the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) did note the “positive elements” in same-sex relationships.（Reference）

As another example, In South Korea, where about 20% of the population are Protestant believers, data from a May 2019 survey conducted by public opinion research organization Korea Gallup showed that 35% of respondents were in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage and 56% were opposed, with a background of anti-homosexuality movements in various places among Korean Protestant conservatives.
As another example, In South Korea, where about 20% of the population are Protestant believers, data from a May 2019 survey conducted by public opinion research organization Korea Gallup showed that 35% of respondents were in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage and 56% were opposed, with a background of anti-homosexuality movements in various places among Korean Protestant conservatives. (Reference)

We cannot deny the fact that the existence of the religions opposing to same-sex marriage and tis relationship with the politics.

However, the agreement to amend the LGBT bill will surely have a significant impact on Japan’s future attitude toward gender. And I believe that social inclusion of sexual minorities is a form of “Compassion”.

Corporate Planning Group Yoko NAKANO