Physical Clash with Christian Groups in 2018
Police Deploy 1,500 Officers from 20 Riot Squads
The 6th Incheon Queer Culture Festival was held on the 9th around Bupyeong Station in Bupyeong-gu, Incheon.
As of 2 p.m., about 600 people (estimated by the police), including representatives from sexual minority groups and progressive civic organizations, attended this queer culture festival promoting the human rights of sexual minorities. Rainbow flags fluttered throughout the venue, and visitors continued to stop by the approximately 40 booths set up, browsing souvenirs such as eco bags and headbands.
According to an interview with Yonhap News, Mr. A (30), who operates a booth, said, "Incheon has been steadily holding queer festivals despite various restrictions, so I participated to show solidarity," adding, "Please remember that sexual minorities exist everywhere."
From 4 p.m. on the same day, a queer festival street parade will take place for one hour around Bupyeong Station.
The Queer Culture Festival is an event that promotes the human rights and sexual diversity of sexual minorities such as LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender). Since it was first held in Seoul in 2000, it has been held annually in various regions across the country.
This year’s festival was originally scheduled to be held at Bupyeong Station Square, but the venue was changed to the Bupyeong Market rotary area after Bupyeong-gu granted usage permission of Bupyeong Station Square to Christian groups.
The Incheon Queer Culture Festival Organizing Committee (Organizing Committee) filed an administrative disposition invalidation lawsuit and requested a suspension of execution, claiming that Bupyeong-gu violated internal rules by approving the use of Bupyeong Station Square for Christian groups; however, the court dismissed the request for suspension of execution.
On the same day, about 2,000 members of Christian groups gathered at Bupyeong Station Square to hold an anti-queer festival rally. They held placards with slogans such as "Oppose Homosexual Queer Festival" and "Stop Homosexuality" and shouted chants. Three representatives from the opposing groups attempted to approach near the event venue but were stopped by the police; no physical clashes were reported.
During the first Incheon Queer Culture Festival in 2018, Christian groups and conservative civic organizations held opposing rallies, which led to physical clashes with festival participants.
In preparation for any emergencies, the police deployed 1,500 personnel from 20 riot companies and 160 traffic police officers on site to manage the situation.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
