PM of Japan fires Aide over Derogatory LGBT Remarks

TOKYO, JP — Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has fired one of his cabinet secretary’s who made anti-LGBT remarks about gay couples. Former cabinet secretary Masayoshi Arai reportedly said he “Would not want to live next to, or look at, people in same-sex relationships.”

Mr Arai also claimed that allowing same-sex marriage into Japan’s society would lead to many abandoning the country.

Upon hearing about the outrageous statements from Arai, Prime Minister Kishida said the remarks were “outrageous” and “completely incompatible” with his government’s policies.

While the prime minister’s comments and action in this matter are being applauded, Japan continues to be the only G7 nation that does not recognize same-sex marriage. However, recent polling suggests most Japanese citizens support same-sex marriage.

In fact a number of same-sex couples have filed lawsuits across Japan in recent years arguing that the ban on same-sex marriage violates the country’s constitution.

Prior to Mr Arai’s dismissal, Mr Kishida had talked about issues surrounding same-sex marriage in parliament. He has said that the matter needed to be carefully considered because of its potential impact on traditional family structures in Japan.

Arai reacted to the remarks afterwards, telling reporters that he “wouldn’t like it if LGBT couples lived next door” and “doesn’t even want to look at them.” Arai further added that it would “change the way society is” and “quite a few people would abandon this country,” said Arai.

In response, Mr Kishida said he had dismissed Mr Arai, saying…”We have been respecting diversity and realising an inclusive society.”

Following the backlash over his remarks, Mr Arai later apologized and stated that his remarks were not appropriate and were not representative of the prime minister’s views.

Article by: Paul Goldberg, Staff Writer

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