By Kim Bo-eun
A sexual minority group decried leading presidential contender Moon Jae-in, following his remarks critical of homosexuality on a nationally televised debate among candidates, Tuesday.
Conservative candidate Hong Joon-pyo brought up the subject by claiming homosexuality within the Korean military was weakening its strength, and questioned Moon's stance on the issue.
Moon said, "I am against it," and when Hong asked again, he said, "I do not like it."
He then changed his words slightly when Hong asked him once again about the issue, saying, "I oppose discrimination against homosexuals, but am against the legalization of (gay marriage)."
Following the debate, the Solidarity for LGBT Human Rights of Korea issued a statement, condemning Moon's remarks.
"Sexual orientation is not a matter of assent or opposition. It is like we cannot support or oppose different skin colors. Moon's words are hate speech which deny the existence of sexual minorities and diversity, and triggers social prejudice and discrimination," the statement said.
"This shows the reality of sexual minorities' rights in Korea."
The statement referred to the situation in which a gay soldier has been detained in an investigation of homosexuals within the army.
The group also criticized Hong for asking such an ignorant question.
In the debate, Hong also claimed "AIDS is rampant in Korea due to homosexuality."
"We demand that Hong and Moon, who trampled on sexual minorities, to immediately apologize," the statement said.
Debate viewers also expressed their disappointment.
"Are you denying the human rights of sexual minorities, as a former human rights lawyer?" a blogger with the id nice**** posted.
Moon's remarks are seen to have been an attempt to win votes from conservative Christian voters.
Right after Moon's remarks, candidate Shim Sang-jung of the progressive Justice Party said, "Homosexuality or sexual orientation is a person's identity. I am a heterosexual, but others who have different sexual orientations have the right to be respected —this is democracy."
Meanwhile, members of the sexual minority group ambushed Moon at a campaign event in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, Wednesday.
They called for the legislation of a law banning discrimination against sexual minorities and spread out a rainbow flag.
Thirteen protesters were arrested at the scene.
In Korea, the military penal code criminalizes gay sex. Gay marriage has yet to be legalized.
A sexual minority group decried leading presidential contender Moon Jae-in, following his remarks critical of homosexuality on a nationally televised debate among candidates, Tuesday.
Conservative candidate Hong Joon-pyo brought up the subject by claiming homosexuality within the Korean military was weakening its strength, and questioned Moon's stance on the issue.
Moon said, "I am against it," and when Hong asked again, he said, "I do not like it."
He then changed his words slightly when Hong asked him once again about the issue, saying, "I oppose discrimination against homosexuals, but am against the legalization of (gay marriage)."
Following the debate, the Solidarity for LGBT Human Rights of Korea issued a statement, condemning Moon's remarks.
"Sexual orientation is not a matter of assent or opposition. It is like we cannot support or oppose different skin colors. Moon's words are hate speech which deny the existence of sexual minorities and diversity, and triggers social prejudice and discrimination," the statement said.
"This shows the reality of sexual minorities' rights in Korea."
The statement referred to the situation in which a gay soldier has been detained in an investigation of homosexuals within the army.
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The group also criticized Hong for asking such an ignorant question.
In the debate, Hong also claimed "AIDS is rampant in Korea due to homosexuality."
"We demand that Hong and Moon, who trampled on sexual minorities, to immediately apologize," the statement said.
Debate viewers also expressed their disappointment.
"Are you denying the human rights of sexual minorities, as a former human rights lawyer?" a blogger with the id nice**** posted.
Moon's remarks are seen to have been an attempt to win votes from conservative Christian voters.
Right after Moon's remarks, candidate Shim Sang-jung of the progressive Justice Party said, "Homosexuality or sexual orientation is a person's identity. I am a heterosexual, but others who have different sexual orientations have the right to be respected —this is democracy."
Meanwhile, members of the sexual minority group ambushed Moon at a campaign event in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, Wednesday.
They called for the legislation of a law banning discrimination against sexual minorities and spread out a rainbow flag.
Thirteen protesters were arrested at the scene.
In Korea, the military penal code criminalizes gay sex. Gay marriage has yet to be legalized.
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