Massive Christian protest in Seoul challenges Supreme Court’s same-sex rights decision
“This ruling is unconstitutional since same-sex marriage is not legalised in South Korea. We see this as a fundamental crisis that could shake our country’s foundation."
SHAH ALAM - In one of South Korea's largest religious gatherings, hundreds of thousands of Christians rallied in Seoul to oppose a recent Supreme Court decision that granted the rights of partners in same-sex couples to state health insurance.
The demonstration, organised by South Korea’s major Christian groups, drew supporters from across the country and sparked mixed reactions both locally and globally.
It was reported that the rally, held as a unified church service, gathered as many as 1.1 million participants across multiple locations in Seoul, though police estimated a turnout closer to 230,000.
“The event disrupted traffic in major areas, including Seoul Plaza, Gwanghwamun Square, and Seoul Station, as attendees expressed concerns about the court's ruling, which they view as a gateway toward the legalisation of same-sex marriage in South Korea,” The Korea Herald reported.
The decision was seen as a milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in a country where conservative views largely prevail, but it also provoked strong opposition from conservative and Christian groups who argue it contravenes South Korea’s legal definition of marriage as a union solely between a man and a woman.
“This ruling is unconstitutional since same-sex marriage is not legalised in South Korea. We see this as a fundamental crisis that could shake our country’s foundation,” Kim Jeong-hee, spokesperson for the organising committee said, as quoted by The Star.
Rally attendees held signs denouncing the ruling and chanted against a proposed anti-discrimination ordinance that has circulated for over a decade without legislative approval.
In addition to opposing same-sex marriage, the protest also targeted the anti-discrimination law, which seeks to prevent discrimination based on gender, age, race, and sexual orientation.
Conservative and religious factions contend that the ordinance would curtail freedoms of speech, conscience, and religion.
The Korea Herald reported that rally materials included a list of "100 prayer suggestions," one of which encouraged participants to "discern the dangers of attempting equality that compromises human freedom," portraying the anti-discrimination law as a threat to personal liberties.
