NHRC chief's plan to attend Queer festival and anti-LGBTQ+ event draws staff criticism

National Human Rights Commission Chairperson Ahn Chang-ho faces internal criticism for his decision to attend both the upcoming Seoul Queer Culture Festival and a counter-event organized by an anti-LGBTQ+ Christian group. Ahn stated his intention to attend both events on July 13, citing a need to protect the rights of all individuals, a stance that has drawn sharp disapproval from commission staff.

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You respect the human rights of sexual minorities. But the human rights of other people must also be protected. This is the basic principle of human rights.

Internal dissent, voiced on the commission's intranet, accuses Ahn of misinterpreting neutrality to endorse actions that contradict human rights principles. Staff members questioned Ahn's assertion that respecting LGBTQ+ rights might infringe upon others' rights, pointing out the lack of concrete examples to support this claim. One staffer noted Ahn's previous inability to specify which rights would be violated by protecting LGBTQ+ individuals.

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If respecting the human rights of sexual minorities means not protecting the human rights of others, then what rights are being violated?

Critics further likened Ahn's position to attending a Chinese hate rally while also participating in a Chinese cultural festival, expressing disappointment over the perceived misuse of terms like 'inclusivity,' 'neutrality,' and 'diversity.' Another staff member sarcastically suggested that upholding neutrality would require understanding the perspective of perpetrators, citing the need to consider Nazi viewpoints on the Holocaust or the stance of those initiating conflicts when addressing civilian casualties.

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What is the difference between going to a Chinese hate rally and cheering, and saying you will go to a Chinese festival? You are misusing the words 'inclusivity,' 'neutrality,' and 'diversity,' which is deeply disappointing.

Lee Sook-jin, a standing commissioner, publicly questioned whether Ahn's personal beliefs were influencing his ability to perform the commission's core duty of protecting LGBTQ+ rights. Ahn has previously faced criticism for spreading misinformation and making homophobic remarks through his writings and activities with Christian organizations. The commission has not yet coordinated with the Seoul Queer Culture Festival organizers regarding booth installations or Ahn's potential visit, though staff members plan to operate a booth independently.

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If upholding neutrality means having to stand in the position of those who deny the human rights of others, then one must also stand in the position of the Nazis regarding the human rights of murdered Jews, and stand in the position of those who started the war when discussing the human rights of innocent civilians being massacred in the Middle East.