Human Rights Commissioner: "Recognition of Same-Sex Couples as Health Insurance Dependents, a Valuable Ruling"

Welcoming Supreme Court Ruling
"Reaffirming the Need to Eliminate Unreasonable Discrimination"
"Full Discussions Should Take Place in the National Assembly"

Song Doo-hwan, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, described the Supreme Court ruling from the previous day recognizing the health insurance dependent status of same-sex partners as "a very valuable decision that contributes to the advancement of LGBTQ+ human rights."

In a statement on the 19th, Chairperson Song said, "We welcome the Supreme Court's ruling in the final appeal case against the National Health Insurance Service, which imposed insurance premiums on same-sex partners as dependents, declaring the premium imposition unlawful."

He emphasized, "This ruling reaffirms that unreasonable discrimination against sexual minorities must not exist."

The previous day, the Supreme Court en banc (Presiding Justice Kim Seon-su) upheld the lower court's ruling in favor of plaintiff So Seong-wook (33), who identified as part of a same-sex couple, in the lawsuit against the National Health Insurance Service seeking cancellation of the insurance premium imposition.

Song Doo-hwan, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

Regarding this, Chairperson Song added, "However, there is still a long way to go. Same-sex partners are not recognized as protectors even if they support each other, so if a partner falls ill, they cannot make treatment decisions on behalf of the patient. Even if they suffer violence from their partner, they are not considered family members and thus cannot receive support such as shelter admission, facing discrimination in all aspects of social life."

Chairperson Song stated, "In April 2022, the Human Rights Commission recommended to the Speaker of the National Assembly to overcome prejudice and discrimination against sexual minorities and to accept changes in awareness regarding diverse family forms by amending the 'Framework Act on Healthy Families' and enacting the 'Life Partner Act' (tentative name). We hope that serious discussions will take place in the 22nd National Assembly."

He added, "We also expect administrative and legislative measures in other areas so that sexual minorities can live enjoying all rights equally as members of our society."