South Korea is allowing same-sex couples to identify as spouses on their annual census for the first time, a move LGBTQ+ activists in the country are applauding. The South Korean census is conducted every five years, and this year, the country’s Ministry of Data and Statistics confirmed that same-sex couples will be able to check “spouse” or “cohabiting partner” when filling out their census forms.
Same-sex marriage is still illegal in South Korea, but homosexuality is not criminalized. According to Equaldex, support for LGBTQ+ people being out and proud in the country is still low, at just 23%. What’s more, there are no protections against hate crimes for these groups, and conversion therapy is still legal.
According to LGBTQ Nation, a 2020 report, South Korea was ranked among the least gay-inclusive countries by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Still there have been some efforts to pass anti-discrimination laws, which have failed in the legislative process. Last year, South Korea’s top court ruled to uphold the rights of same-sex couples, giving them the same rights as straight couples.
The country’s slow movement on protecting LGBTQ+ rights is likely due to lobbying efforts by church associations, including The United Christian Churches of Korea, along with hate campaigns run by groups like Anti-Homosexuality Christian Solidarity.
In spite of the challenges, the nation’s LGBTQ+ community is still hopeful. A coalition of 49 LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and organizations called the recent decision “historic” and “the first step toward having LGBTQ+ citizens fully reflected in national data.”
South Korea’s left-wing Justice Party celebrated the ministry’s decision, expressing hope that the new change will motivate more visibility for LGBTQ+ people in statistics, and spark legislative policy changes, as per TIME.“The path has finally opened for same-sex couples to be reflected in policy,” the party said in a statement. “We believe the day will soon come when transgender individuals will be included in population statistics.”
