A court in South Korea has ruled that same-sex couples are entitled to the same spousal coverage as heterosexual couples under the country’s national health insurance service. ReportOUT celebrates this decision as the first time the country has recognised the legal status of a same-sex partner.
We particularly congratulate and recognise the courage and determination of So Sung-uk and Kim Yong-min, the couple who brought this court action. The couple said:
“I am delighted because I felt like the judges told us through a court decision that the feelings of love I have for my husband should not be the target of ignorance or insults,”
Currently in South Korea, same-sex marriage is not legally recognised but this decision makes it clear that sexual and gender minorities in South Korea have the same needs and deserve the same rights as heterosexual couples.
Amnesty International’s East Asia Researcher, Boram Jang, said in a statement:
“This is an important decision that moves South Korea closer to achieving marriage equality. There is still a long way to go to end discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, but this ruling offers hope that prejudice can be overcome.”
This decision came about as a challenge in the High court against a ruling from a lower court. There is a chance this could still be challenged in Supreme Court however ReportOUT welcomes this positive step in the right direction for the LGBTQIA+ people of South Korea.