Cabinet Council to be established to eradicate discrimination against people with disabilities after ruling deeming former Eugenic Protection Law unconstitutional

From The Kobe Shimbun

July 22 2024

KOBE – Following the Supreme Court ruling that the former Eugenic Protection Law, which forced sterilization on the grounds of disability, was unconstitutional, the government has decided to create a new council with all cabinet members as members to eradicate discrimination against people with disabilities. It will be launched within this week and its first meeting will be held within the month. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a press conference on the 22nd, “We would like to proceed with preparations to establish the council as soon as possible.”

The relevant ministerial conference will conduct an objective review with the aim of eradicating eugenic ideology, prejudice and discrimination against people with disabilities, taking into account the fact that forced sterilization has been considered constitutional for half a century. They are considering measures to strengthen education and awareness-raising, and are also looking to set up a forum for discussion between the government and victims.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio met with the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the former Eugenic Protection Law at the Prime Minister’s Office on the 17th, apologizing for the government’s extremely grave responsibility and telling them, “Permanent measures are essential to ensure that the same mistake is never repeated.”

Regarding compensation for victims, a framework will be considered in coordination with a cross-party group of lawmakers, separate from the Cabinet meeting. A broad compensation system will be created that covers not only those who have not filed lawsuits and those who underwent surgery, but also their spouses.