‘Don’t do it in front of others’: gay pride on show in South Korea, despite religious backlash
Homosexuality is not illegal in South Korea, but gay, lesbian or transgender rights remain politically unpopular
Thousands of people will march through Seoul to support gay rights in this Saturday’s Pride parade, and probably just as many conservative Christians urging them to “repent” their “sins”.
Religious South Koreans have been a loud fixture at the annual parade for years, holding a rival anti-homosexuality rally while trying to physically block the march.
Their presence is the most visible display of intolerance towards sexual minorities in the tradition-bound society, where religious belief is widespread and many homosexuals stay in the closet due to fear of discrimination and social isolation.
Homosexuality is not illegal in South Korea. But gay, lesbian or transgender rights remain politically unpopular.
We do not want them to showcase homosexuality in public, which can corrupt the minds of our children
His conservative opponent and eventual runner-up said homosexuals should be “punished severely for living against divine rules”.