The Korea Times close
National
  • Politics
  • Diplomacy
  • Defense
  • Labor & Environment
  • Law & Crime
  • Health & Welfare
  • Embassy
  • Seoul & Provinces
  • Education
  • Foreign Communities
  • Obituaries
  • Multicultural Youth Award
Biz & Tech
  • Auto
  • IT
  • Game
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail & Food
  • Energy
  • Construction
  • Airlines
Finance
  • Policies
  • Economy
  • Markets
  • Banks
  • Non-banks
  • Economic Essay Contest
Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Thoughts of the Times
  • Cartoon
  • Today in History
  • Blogs
  • Tribune Service
  • Blondie & Garfield
  • Letter to the Editor
Lifestyle
  • Arts
  • Books
  • Travel & Cuisine
  • Trend
  • Fashion
  • Around Town
  • Fortune Telling
Entertainment
  • K-pop
  • K-dramas & Shows
  • Movies
  • Music
  • Performances
  • Asia Model Festival
Sports
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Baseball
  • Other Sports
World
  • Asia Pacific
  • Americas
  • Europe & Africa
  • SCMP
Video
  • On the Spot
  • Feature
  • News
Photos
  • Photo News
  • Darkroom
Community
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • Site Map
  • E-paper
  • Subscribe
  • Register
  • LogIn
search close
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • Site Map
  • E-paper
  • Subscribe
  • Register
  • LogIn
search close
National
  • Politics
  • Diplomacy
  • Defense
  • Labor & Environment
  • Law & Crime
  • Health & Welfare
  • Embassy
  • Seoul & Provinces
  • Education
  • Foreign Communities
  • Obituaries
  • Multicultural Youth Award
Thu, January 28, 2021 | 08:37
Debate erupts over ban on homosexuality in barracks
Posted : 2010-10-27 20:20
Updated : 2010-10-27 20:20
Mail
Print Preview
Font Size Up
Font Size Down
By Park Si-soo

The state human rights watchdog lashed out Wednesday at the military criminal code for banning homosexuality in barracks, setting off a new round of debates over the introduction of the Korean version of “Don’t ask don’t tell” policy.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said its decision-making body has asked the Constitutional Court to nullify the law on the grounds that it infringes upon soldiers’ rights to equality and freedom of sexual preference. It added the law unduly violates the privacy of service members.

This suggestion runs counter to the policy by the Ministry of Defense which believes allowing same-sex relationships would trigger conflicts and bring down overall military discipline.

The country’s highest court is now reviewing the law, with the date for the verdict remaining uncertain.

The move by the human rights agency came after a gay rights’ group filed a petition with the NHRC in May over the constitutionality of Article 92 of the military criminal code.

“Homosexuality doesn’t have a negative impact on the strength of the military, unity and morale at all,” the NHRC said in a statement. “The law violates the right of equality and is also out of sync with contemporary society that emphasizes equality.”

Under the act, those convicted of having homosexual relations in barracks face up to one year in prison and forced retirement.

According to the Ministry of National Defense, a total of 176 people were put on trial between 2004 and 2007 on charges of breaking the law.

“We found there were no soldiers punished for having homosexual relations in other countries,” the watchdog said. “In Canada, Australia and Israel, people can join the military even after they come out of the closet.”

In contrast the ministry here sticks to the ban on homosexuality in barracks.

“It’s still unacceptable with our common sensibility,” the ministry refuted. “This is an issue of which justification should be determined based on the culture and tradition of each country, which means the NHRC’s suggestion based on cases in other countries is inappropriate.”

Currently, 53 countries, including China, Yemen and Iran, prohibit gay soldiers. In most European nations, homosexuals are able to take part in military service.
Emailpss@koreatimes.co.kr Article ListMore articles by this reporter









 
WooriBank
 
  • SsangYong faces receivership as Mahindra-HAAH deal collapses
  • What to expect from the Fed's first FOMC meeting of 2021
  • Are Kakao boss' children being prepared for future succession?
  • COVID-19 survivors suffering from aftereffects
  • Budget airline industry faces major changes with new players, merger
  • Questions rise over timing of Moon-Xi phone conversation
  • AmorePacific aims for rebound through collaboration with Off-White
  • S&P highlights Hyundai, Samsung, LG, SK betting on futuristic cars
  • Childbirths hit record low in November; deaths rise to highest in 37 years
  • New infections bounce back to over 500
  • Actress and model Song Yu-jung dies at 26 Actress and model Song Yu-jung dies at 26
  • More K-pop singers contribute to animation soundtracks More K-pop singers contribute to animation soundtracks
  • TXT's first Japanese album 'STILL DREAMING' dominates Oricon Chart TXT's first Japanese album 'STILL DREAMING' dominates Oricon Chart
  • K-pop groups prepare for returns after members finish mandatory military service K-pop groups prepare for returns after members finish mandatory military service
  • AFI Awards: 'Minari' among the Best Films of 2020 AFI Awards: 'Minari' among the Best Films of 2020
DARKROOM
  • Biden takes office as 46th president

    Biden takes office as 46th president

  • Biden-Harris inauguration is taking shape

    Biden-Harris inauguration is taking shape

  • Second Trump impeachment

    Second Trump impeachment

  • Pro-Trump rioters breach the US Capitol

    Pro-Trump rioters breach the US Capitol

  • Our children deserve better (Part 2)

    Our children deserve better (Part 2)

WooriBank
  • About Korea Times
  • CEO Message
  • Times History
  • Content Sales
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us
  • Location
  • Privacy Statement
  • Terms of Service
  • Mobile Service
  • RSS Service
  • 고충처리인
  • hankookilbo
  • Dongwha Group
  • Code of Ethics
Copyright