Editorial: Anti-LGBTQ+ Campaigns in Seoul Education Superintendent Elections

Conservative candidates running for Seoul Superintendent of Education are actively campaigning using anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, specifically targeting "Queer education" and "homosexuality." This approach, seen as an attempt to rally their base, has drawn criticism for its discriminatory nature. Education superintendents are public officials responsible for protecting all students, including vulnerable minorities, and fostering an environment of coexistence.

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We must prioritize the educational environment and emotional development of our children.

Jo Jeon-hyuk, one of the candidates, has displayed banners across Seoul reading "Expel Queer Homosexual Education" and held a press conference denouncing the Seoul Queer Culture Festival. He made derogatory remarks, suggesting that individuals who reveal their sexual orientation and face discrimination are "playing the victim." Kim Young-bae, another candidate, pledged to "teach opposition to homosexuality and the anti-discrimination law within schools." Yoon Ho-sang is also campaigning on a platform of "abolishing the infusion of homosexuality and Queer education in public education."

While these candidates emphasize their opposition is to "homosexual education" rather than to sexual minorities themselves, critics argue this framing serves to stigmatize LGBTQ+ individuals and erase them from the classroom. Such rhetoric is considered hate speech under international human rights law, as it targets an individual's identity rather than a policy or opinion. The National Human Rights Commission of Korea issued a statement urging candidates to refrain from expressions that promote prejudice and stereotypes against social minorities.

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Revealing one's identity and claiming to be discriminated against or hated is playing the victim.

Data from the Human Rights Commission reveals that a significant percentage of youth who identify as LGBTQ+ experience prejudice and hateful remarks from both peers and teachers. This hostile environment contributes to mental health issues, with a high rate of suspected depression among these students. The article concludes by calling on the candidates to reflect on their roles and cease using hate speech for electoral gain. It also urges the government and National Assembly to enact legislation, such as revising election laws and enacting an anti-discrimination law, to prevent the exploitation of hate speech in public discourse. The election commission is also called upon to implement effective measures to curb such expressions.

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We must refrain from expressions that foster prejudice and stereotypes against social minorities.