Japan enacts law punishing national flag vandals; opponents cite free speech concerns
6 reported
Japan on Friday enacted a controversial new law prohibiting desecration of its national flag, a key right-wing agenda pushed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The law punishes publicly damaging or defacing the national flag, known as “hinomaru,” including livestreaming of the scene in ways that would offend the feelings of others. Opponents say the ambiguous law intimidates people from using the flag in art, protests or other forms of expression, and could violate constitutional freedom of speech. Violators would face up to two years in prison or a maximum fine of 200,000 yen (about $1,230). Many legal experts have opposed the law, arguing the vaguely worded law criminalizes actions on the grounds of people's feelings and could be used arbitrarily. The passage of the law highlights a win for Takaichi’s right-wing agenda and her supporters.
What’s reported
Japan enacted a law prohibiting desecration of the national flag on Friday.
The law punishes publicly damaging, removing or defacing the flag in ways that “causes extreme discomfort or sense of disgust to others.”
Violators face up to two years in prison or a maximum fine of 200,000 yen (about $1,230).
Opponents say the law could violate constitutional freedom of speech.
Many legal experts have opposed the law, arguing it is vaguely worded and could be used arbitrarily.
The law was pushed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi as part of a right-wing agenda.
Key figures
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
Motohiro Hashimoto, Chuo University constitutional law professor
Ayaka Shiomura, opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan lawmaker
Akihisa Shiozaki, Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker
Sources: abcnews.com
