Two gender bills competing

By Jun Ji-hye

Two gender-related revision bills are competing with each other at the National Assembly but chances are that neither will become law because of nothing else but gender rivalry.

The National Assembly National Defense Committee discussed a revision of the Military Service Law, Wednesday, to revive the additional points system for those who have completed their two-year mandatory military service, when they apply for jobs at government organizations and public entities.

“These days, many young men are victimized due to their military service, which lasts up to two years. The nation is obligated to compensate them for their service,” said Rep. Han Ki-ho of the ruling Saenuri Party who proposed the revision.

A day earlier, the Assembly Environment and Labor Committee began preliminary discussions on the possible introduction of a so-called “extra point system for mothers” for those who want to return to work after taking maternity leave.

“Many women here are forced to quit their jobs due to pregnancy, childbirth and infant care as companies have yet to establish proper systems to support them. It is very important to create a society where women can cherish the hope of working again,” said ruling party lawmaker Shin Yee-jin, the sponsor of the revision.

Under the two proposed revisions, mothers and ex-soldiers would receive an extra two percent in recruitment examinations at government organizations and public agencies. But the proportion of beneficiaries should not exceed 20 percent of the total recruitment.

However, both have been embroiled in controversy about what objectors call a “reverse discrimination system.”

Women’s groups and disabled people have continued their opposition to the extra points for military service.

“It would be more appropriate to subscribe them to the national pension system or to raise monthly pay during the service term, rather than adopting additional points,” said Cho Yoon-sun, gender equality and family minister, during her confirmation hearing last month.

The system was introduced in 1966 for the purpose of helping military veterans adapt to civilian life, but was abolished in 1999 after the Constitutional Court declared it unconstitutional saying it discriminates against women and the disabled.

The previous discussion on reviving the system in 2011 foundered as a result of fierce resistance from women’s groups.

Regarding the controversy, the defense committee said, “The revision rationally improves on the original system that was found unconstitutional.”

Meanwhile, critics argue that the extra points for mothers could be considered reverse discrimination against men as well as women who remain childless. Some are skeptical about the intention behind the introduction of the system, saying, “It is just ploy to resist the extra military points.”

In response, Shin said, “There is no way that an infertile woman will quit her job due to pregnancy matters. The revision was designed to give a second chance to those who were forced to stop working because of childbirth.”

She added she is also in favor of extra points for ex-soldiers and called for the simultaneous passage of the two.