아시아 12/05/16 Gay advert sparks outrage - Conservative groups call for ban on anti-homophobia campaign

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Gay advert sparks outrage

Conservative groups call for ban on anti-homophobia campaign

Stephen Hong, Seoul
Korea
May 16, 2012

Conservative and religious groups in Seoul are up in arms over an advertising campaign against homophobia currently running on city buses and billboards in public areas.

The advertisement which has been endorsed by Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon and approved by district officials reads: “Everyone has the right not to be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation.”

It is the brainchild of Lee Gye-duck, a gay activist who is also funding the campaign.

Lee said he wants the public to be better informed about homosexuality and how wrong discrimination is.

“Every citizen has the right not to be discriminated against” on the ground of sexual inclination, Lee said citing the constitution.

However, conservative and religious groups have branded the advertisement immoral, say it advocates gay sex and are calling for it to be banned.

The Christian Council of Korea (CCK) issued a statement yesterday urging district offices to immediately ban the advertisement.

“The Seoul mayor’s endorsement and approval by district officials may lead people to think that government offices are a window for the interests of minorities,” said Reverend Hong Jae-chul, president of the CCK.

The Protestant Korean Association of Church Communication went as far as saying on Monday that the advertisement will encourage homosexuality among people and “finally make South Korea a country of homosexuals.”

However, an official from the Seoul city government said the advertisement is not breaking any laws and that “each district office has the right to approve advertisements on the streets.”

Gay and lesbian groups have praised Lee’s initiative.

The opposition by conservative groups is “a violation of human rights itself,” said Chang Byoung-gwon, director of the Solidarity for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) Human Rights group.

“By criticizing, they think gay people deserve to be discriminated against,” he said.