SK front-runner embroiled in gay row
Print Edition
SOUTH Korean presidential front-runner Moon Jae-in outraged persecuted sexual minority groups by saying during a television debate that he opposes homosexuality, something his supporters say he had to do to win office in the deeply conservative country.
Moon, a liberal candidate and former human rights lawyer, made the comments on Tuesday night while responding to a conservative presidential candidate who argued gay soldiers were weakening the country’s military.
Gay rights advocates, some of whom who were dragged away after approaching Moon following a speech at the National Assembly in Seoul yesterday, say Moon is preaching hate. Police said 13 activists were detained.
Moon’s supporters defended his comments as in line with many South Koreans’ views.
Sexual minorities are harshly stigmatized in South Korea and struggle with political visibility because a powerful Christian lobby keeps politicians from passing anti-discrimination laws.
Among the five candidates who participated in the debate, only Sim Sang-jung, representing the minor Justice Party, openly advocates gay rights.
After the conservative candidate, Hong Joon-pyo, argued that gay soldiers were weakening the country’s military, Moon said he agreed.
Hong then asked Moon whether he opposed homosexuality, to which Moon replied, “I oppose.”
Hong represents the party of ousted President Park Geun-hye, who was arrested last month and now faces the prospect of a prison term over corruption charges.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
