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In April, Reps. Kim Han-gil and Choi Won-sik withdrew their anti-discrimination bill, which protects the human rights of minorities. After a storm of protest from Christian conservatives, these lawmakers gave into pressure.
The conservative Christians argued if the bill passed the National Assembly, they would not be able to criticize other religions and homosexual love.
It is deplorable that some Christians are dead-set against the bill, because discrimination is an invisible violence. And they are violating the human rights of members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
If you're a transgender, it's a herculean task to get a job. According to a survey of 78 transgenders, 34.6 percent work in the adult entertainment industry; 12.9 percent work simple blue collar jobs; only 6.4 percent work in offices; and 12.8 percent have no job at all.
The survey specifies the reasons why they got the jobs: 37.7 percent said they were hired because it was the only job they could get, and 13.1 percent said they were hired because the company didn't require ID cards or legal documents. They rarely have employment opportunities in jobs where their human rights are protected.
Also according to a survey of 105 adolescent homosexuals, more than 70 percent have considered suicide: 18.1 percent attempted suicide frequently; and 45.7 percent actually tried to commit suicide once. The biggest reason they surrendered all hope is severe discrimination. They are exposed to physical violence in school.
Unfortunately, even their families think they have a mental disease: some parents force their child to undergo psychotherapy to change their sexual identity.
For example, Hong Seok-cheon, a celebrity who first came out, said he has lost seven people in his circle to suicide in 12 years.
And in 2003, an 18-year-old member of the Solidarity for LGBT Human Rights of Korea committed suicide; he was known publically by his alias Yook Woo-dang and he was a Catholic. He left a message expressing his frustration about discrimination against sexual minorities and intolerant conservative Christians.
The problem in Korean society is a contrast to the international protection of human rights. On June 17, 2011, the U.N. Human Rights Council adopted its first resolution on human rights for sexual minorities, putting an end to sexual discrimination and recognizing it as a priority for the U.N. The Korean government also agreed with the resolution, but the public's perception is decades behind.
There are several reasons which block the progress of public perception, but the biggest reason is conservative Christianity's self-approving attitude. After Yook passed away, some progressive Christians and LGBT members have demanded that the Christian Council reconsider sexual minorities, but they were rejected with no consideration. And even now, the conservative Christian attitude toward sexual minorities is the same as 10 years ago.
Conservative Christians misunderstand the purpose of the legislation, which is not to promote homosexuality or start compulsory homosexual education in public schools. Its aim is to ensure the human rights of sexual minorities guaranteed in the Constitution just as Christians are guaranteed their freedom of religion. In addition, according to Rep. Choi who proposed the bill, it is going to be mediated between freedom of expression and protecting human rights.
The cause of discrimination is a communication gap: conservative Christians should reconsider their attitude toward sexual minorities, communicate with them and resolve their misunderstanding about them.
Their behavior toward sexual minorities has been as merciless as Pharisees. It is directly opposed to what Jesus did to the socially weak; he healed a man who was unable to walk on the Sabbath, and he criticized Pharisees who were more concerned with keeping the commandments than loving their neighbor. It's regrettable that Christianity is instigating discrimination when it should be teaching love.
Even still sexual minorities are suffering from discrimination. People should respect individual differences. And those who discriminate against others for their differences will not be respected.
The writer is a citizen of Gimhae, who believes in Catholicism. He can be reached at jaehyeon515@gmail.com.
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