Japan's Ruling LDP and Opposition DPP to Discuss National Flag Vandalism Criminalization Bill
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party and opposition Democratic Party for the People will hold talks to modify a proposed bill that would criminalize vandalism of the national flag with penalties up to two years imprisonment or ¥200,000 fine. The DPP has expressed concerns about balancing the law with freedom of expression and wants clarification on what constitutes a crime. The ruling coalition needs opposition support to pass the bill in the upper parliamentary chamber where it lacks a majority.
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and opposition Democratic Party for the People (DPP) will enter discussions to modify a bill criminalizing national flag vandalism, according to DPP leader Yuichiro Tamaki. The proposed legislation, compiled by the LDP in coordination with the Japan Innovation Party, would impose prison sentences of up to two years or fines up to ¥200,000 for publicly damaging the national flag or posting such videos on social media "in a way that causes people to feel extremely uncomfortable or disgusted." The bill specifically applies to tangible objects recognized as national flags while exempting flags in children's lunches and those in anime, comics, and games. The DPP has signaled concerns about the bill's balance with freedom of expression and seeks clarification on criminal definitions before considering co-sponsorship. Since the ruling coalition lacks a majority in the House of Councilors, it requires opposition party cooperation to pass the legislation during the current parliamentary session ending next month.
What different sources said
- The Japan TimesCenter
LDP and DPP to discuss bill to criminalize national flag vandalism
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