November 28, 2007

 

Mr. Yun Hu-deok

Chief of the Secretariat of the Prime Minister

Office of the Prime Minister

 

Mr. Yun Hu-deok,

 

I write on behalf of the Nodutdol for Korean Community Development, based in New York City, to express our disappointment that South Korea’s Ministry of Justice has decided to eliminate the categories of sexual orientation, medical history, national origin, language, educational background, family situation or family status, and criminal or probation history from the proposed anti-discrimination legislation. This action severely compromises the proposed legislation, which is intended to recognize and secure the equality of Korean citizens who are most targeted for discriminatory treatment.

 

In particular, we are worried about the absence of protection against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.  Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in South Korea face real discrimination.  They are frequently denied jobs and segregated into particular industries.  Their access to public institutions, such as healthcare and educational facilities, is limited by their fear of being exposed. They are forced to endure police harassment.  Those LGBT people who acknowledge their gay identity in public are often the targets of hatred and abuse. 

 

The current administration’s decision to omit sexual minorities from the proposed anti-discrimination legislation conflicts starkly with your country’s reputation and leadership in the human rights arena. By striking down protections for a vulnerable community, you deny your Human Rights Commission the legislative “teeth” it needs to be effective.  Moreover, you send a message to local governments, employers, and members of civil society that LGBT people do not count.

 

It is critical to restore the 7th clause on sexual orientation to the anti-discrimination legislation, as well as the protected status of all eliminated categories.  This will make it clear to both South Korean society and the international community that the country recognizes the value, intersectionality and indivisibility of human rights.  While we acknowledge that you confront significant pressure from your opponents in the National Assembly and corporate sector, the state’s job is to implement its treaty obligations with regard to the fulfillment of human rights principles such as equality and free expression. We urge you not to abandon your country’s commitment to the rights of vulnerable communities.  Please reconsider the changes to the proposed anti-discrimination legislation. It is clear that you want this legislation to be your legacy.  Let it be a legacy that all can celebrate.

 

Sincerely,

 

Nodutdol for Korean Community Development

 

이 게시물을..