While Japan is set to host the G-7 summit in Hiroshima later this month, pressure has been mounting for the Asian country to push through laws that protect the rights of the LGBT community. The pressure appears to stem from other members of the intergovernmental political forum, as well as other advanced democracies.
The American ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, recently posted a video on Twitter that featured European, American, and South American ambassadors in Japan suggesting that the country needs to address the lack of equal rights for the LGBT community.
Emanuel kicked off the four-minute video by saying: “Japan is on the horizon of hope and history for everybody. The time is now to ensure that everybody is seen, everybody is heard, and everybody is counted. None of us have a person to waste when we build a strong future. This is a moment to shape that future, and not be shaped by the past.”
The clip goes on to feature 14 ambassadors to Japan from around the world, expressing a similar sentiment. However, this reportedly does not sit well with some Japanese people. Investigative journalist Masako Ganaha suggested that the recent video’s message is interfering with domestic affairs in Japan, suggesting that countries that value democracy should not be pushing political agendas on other nations.
Ganaha tweeted: “To all the American people who value democracy and true friendship with Japan. Do you agree with your Ambassador to Japan interfering domestic affairs in Japan?”
“Today with the help of activist politician from America, Japanese leftist Diet members are trying to steamroll the LGBT law. This is no longer about LGBT issue. It’s about protecting sovereignty of Japan and democracy all over the world.”
“Please raise your voices. We, the people of Japan, and the freedom loving people all over the world need to get united.”
“‘Dead fish tactic’ is not acceptable.”
It is unclear if Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida feels pressure to update LGBT laws, but the small country is the only member of the Group of Seven that does not have laws that overtly protect the rights of the LGBT people. The country also does not officially recognize same-sex couples.
The Washington Post noted that while Japanese lawmakers have been grappling with a bill that would “promote understanding,” there are some politicians who do not agree with inserting anti-discrimination laws. And the prospect of same-sex marriage is not even a consideration.
