Ruling and opposition parties lock horns over 'toned down' LGBT bill

May 16 (NHK) - Japanese lawmakers planning to submit a nonpartisan bill aimed at promoting understanding of the LGBTQ community locked horns during a meeting on Monday.

The main ruling Liberal Democratic Party last week agreed to reword the bill compiled by the nonpartisan group two years ago. LDP divisions on the precise wording of the bill had prevented it from being submitted to the Diet.

The LDP says it will reword part of the bill that translates as "discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is forbidden" to "there should be no unfair discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity."

The LDP presented its revised draft at Monday's nonpartisan group meeting, saying the rephrasing will not change the legal interpretation of the bill.

Members of the LDP's junior coalition partner, Komeito, stressed the need to pass the bill during the current Diet session if no change in the spirit of the bill is confirmed. ...continue reading

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