Many Second-generation Jehovah’s Witnesses In Japan Experienced Abuse By Their Parents, Lawyer Alleges

Extract from NHK

November 20 2023

TOKYO – On November 20th, a defense team supporting former members of the religious group Jehovah’s Witnesses held a press conference and stated that many second-generation parents who were raised by believer parents have experienced abuse from their parents. 

The results of the survey have been published. The defense team is requesting that laws and regulations regarding abuse by religious groups be considered.

The results showed that 81% of those who cooperated with the survey said they had a card indicating their intention to refuse blood transfusions.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s guidelines clearly state that withholding treatment for a child based on religious teachings constitutes neglect.

The defense team points out, “We do not know exactly how many people have died due to the church’s doctrine of refusing blood transfusions, and how many children are among them, and an investigation is needed.” 

The defense team said that many second-generation children have suffered physical and mental abuse, and faced psychological effects such as loneliness, alienation, and lack of self-esteem, as well as financial problems due to restrictions on their ability to attend higher education or find employment. It points out that it does.

The defense team emphasized that there was no intention to harm the religious freedom of individual believers, nor to encourage prejudice or discrimination against believers. We are requesting that children be explained and made aware to avoid abusing children.

Meanwhile, before the press conference, the defense team visited the Children and Family Affairs Agency to investigate whether public institutions are investigating the religious organization and whether there is any suspicion that it falls under the grounds for dissolution stipulated in the Religious Corporations Law, and whether there is any suspicion that the religious organization is under any of the grounds for dissolution stipulated in the Religious Corporations Act, We have submitted a petition requesting that laws and regulations regarding abuse be considered.