Religious Forces Behind the Oppression of LGBTQ+ Rights in Japan
Behind the scenes, the ruling LDP is being influenced by religious institutions looking to stall discussions and progress on gay rights.
From social stigma to employment discrimination, LGBTQ+ people in Japan face many difficulties in their daily lives. While the Japanese public has gradually become accepting of LGBTQ+ rights, there has been no significant legislative progress to mirror this change in public opinion.
Earlier this year, a secretary working for Prime Minister Kishida was caught on a hot mic saying: "I don't even want to lay my eyes on them (referring to LGBTQ+ people), don't want them living next to me" in an off-the-record interview with the press. This quote was eventually leaked to the public by Mainichi Shimbun, leading to his dismissal soon afterward.
As outrageous as this comment is, this is hardly a controversial position within the governing LDP (the Liberal Democratic Party, 自民党). Politicians like Mio Sugita publicly show disdain towards gender minorities with little to no repercussions.
A key reason why many conservative LDP members are reluctant to discuss topics such as same-sex marriage is that they are backed by religious organizations that do not want to see social changes implemented that would go against their "traditional" worldview.
Today, we will look at religious institutions in Japan which are using their political influence to prevent the LDP from making progress on LGBTQ+ rights.
Case 1: Shintoism
Last year, the LDP came under fire when it was revealed that an anti-LGBT booklet was handed out at a Diet member conference at its headquarters. It was hosted by the Shinto Association of Spiritual Leadership (神道政治連盟), which has up to 263 aligned members in the Diet.
Some of the alleged contents of the booklet include statements such as: “Homosexuality is a mental illness that can be cured through treatment or the change of heart.”, "The lifestyle choices of gender minorities cannot be legitimized because we will risk the destruction of families and society.”
Shinto is a traditional Japanese religion rooted in its worship of nature and Kami (神), supernatural beings that are said to inhabit every facet of the natural world. Shintoism rose to prominence in the Meiji period (1868-) when the government made it the official religion of the state (State Shinto, or 国家神道), aiming to promote the divinity of the emperor and the unity of the Japanese people. From traditional holidays to shrines that could be found anywhere in the country, Shintoism has historically played a crucial role in shaping Japanese culture.
The longstanding connection between Shintoism and the LDP dates back to the early post-WWII period when the LDP embraced State Shinto. After it was discontinued after Japan's defeat in World War II, the LDP continued to use Shinto symbols and ceremonies as part of its efforts to promote nationalistic values.
A prime example of the connection between the LDP and Shintoism is the occasional rallies at Yasukuni Shrine, a Shinto shrine in Tokyo that honors Japan's war casualties (most notably, war criminals convicted in the Nuremberg Trials like Hideki Tojo). This ceremony has been a source of controversy both domestically and internationally, as it is seen by many as an act of worshipping Japan's imperialist past.
There are no specific statements in Shintoism's teachings that condemn homosexuality. However, in recent years, some vocal factions inside the Shinto ranks have become critical of the increasing acceptance of gender identity.
Shintoism is not the only religious group pressuring the LDP, however.
Case 2: The Unification Church
Last year, former Prime Minister Abe was assassinated in broad daylight, shocking the entire nation. Once the suspect's motives were revealed, citizens were stunned to find out that the LDP, the ruling political party for much of Japan's post-war history, had such an entrenched relationship with the now notorious Unification Church (統一教会). Many Diet members, including high-ranking officials, have since been revealed to have had deep ties with the cult.
The Unification Church is not shy when it comes to denying LGBTQ+ rights. Ichiro Inamori, a spokesperson for the church expressed his displeasure against same-sex marriage in a speech back in 2019.
His 90-minute speech would go on to detail how same-sex unions endanger Japan's national stability and destroy families. "In countries where same-sex marriage is legalized ... the number of homosexuals is increasing and society is becoming unstable," Inamori declared. "We cannot allow that. That is Satan's strategy!"
The group's teachings forbid same-sex relationships and specify that only heterosexual marriages between church members can produce offspring free of sin.
The main reason why the LDP has ties with these religious organizations is by courting their support, they can lock in a sizable chunk of votes for their candidates. In a country where voter engagement is low and disproportionately hinging on old citizens, maintaining a good relationship with these organizations is absolutely crucial for winning elections.
This is happening at both federal and local levels. Politicians who win via help from religious organizations will do their bidding in compensation for their support after they take office. This is made worse because of the fact that since the LDP has been in power for so long, the party has accumulated so much political capital to the point that these connections have lasted for multiple generations, and other parties are seen as unviable alternatives for influencing federal policy.
As long as this political incentive exists, it's very difficult to see the LDP escaping the tight grip of religious influence in the future. Japan is indeed a largely irreligious country on the surface. Behind the scenes, it's a completely different story.
Yu Yamada
References:
https://www.outjapan.co.jp/pride_japan/news/2022/6/27.html
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