We
are citizens living in Osaka and other areas in Kansai. Here we demand Mio
Sugita's resignation. She is a lawmaker affiliated with the Japanese
ruling Liberal Democratic Party (the LDP), and wrote an article insulting LGBT (L
= Lesbian; G = Gay; B = Bisexual ;T = Transgender).
In
that article, Mio Sugita said "They (LGBT) do not produce children, so
they are 'unproductive'. Is it okay to use our taxes on them? "
This
is an unacceptable remark, because this is prejudiced and she is not
understanding the situations surrounding LGBTQ people, especially people under
18. Her remark that childbirth should be a criterion for tax uses means that
the state is pushing people to decide to have children. Thus, she disregards
the "individual dignity" of all people.
Also,
on the internet TV show of 29th July, the another LDP lawmaker Tom Tanigawa
said "Homosexuality is like a hobby." Now we have to doubt the view
of LDP itself. (Homosexuality is not hobby or preference but a sexual
tendency formed by unconscious orientation, which cannot be easily changed.)
On
August 1, the LDP finally issued a statement saying "the said person (Rep.
Sugita) was told to be careful." And on August 2, the prime minister
Shinzo Abe said "It is natural to make a society where human rights and
diversity are respected." However, on the same day, the secretary general
of LDP, Yasuhiro Nikai was slighting the situation. He commented on her remark
and suggested her remark is "not big deal."
Rep.
Sugita has not yet shown any regret or apology, and she has not held a
press conference to fulfill accountability. She is not suitable anymore as a
representative chosen by the people, this is why we demand her immediate resignation.
Moreover,
pursuing a society where everyone's dignity is protected and everyone can live their lives in their own way, we urge the LDP (1) to deal
severely with Rep. Sugita and Rep. Tanigawa, and (2) to make a policy for
sexual minorities immediately.
