70% of Office Workers Support Non-Consensual Rape Law and Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Act

Workplace Gapjil 119 Survey: More Women Support Legislation Than Men
"With Sufficient Social Consensus, Implementation Is Now the Issue"

A recent survey found that the majority of office workers believe the government should push for the legislation of non-consensual rape laws and a comprehensive anti-discrimination law.

On July 27, Yonhap News reported these findings, citing the results of a survey commissioned by the civic group Workplace Gapjil 119 and conducted by the polling agency Global Research. The survey was carried out from July 1 to July 7, targeting 1,000 office workers nationwide aged 19 and older.

According to the survey results released on July 27, 72.7% of respondents supported the push for legislation on non-consensual rape. By gender, 83.9% of women and 62.6% of men were in favor, showing a higher approval rate among female respondents.

The non-consensual rape law is a bill that would criminalize sexual acts that occur without the other party's consent or against their will. Under current law, rape is only recognized if there is violence or intimidation, which has led to ongoing criticism that actual victims are not adequately protected.

Regarding the comprehensive anti-discrimination law, which would broadly prohibit discrimination based on gender, origin, disability, religion, and other factors, 70.7% of respondents said such legislation is necessary. Among women, 79.9% supported the law, while 62.4% of men were in favor.

Workplace Gapjil 119 emphasized, "Both bills reflect internationally accepted trends, and social consensus has already been sufficiently reached. Now, it is a matter of implementation." The group also urged, "The Lee Jaemyung administration should promptly appoint a Minister of Gender Equality and Family who can implement gender equality policies."

Previously, Kang Sunwoo, a former candidate for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, maintained a reserved stance on current issues such as the legislation of non-consensual rape laws during a National Assembly confirmation hearing, stating that "social consensus is needed."

Workplace Gapjil 119 stressed, "If a person with a reserved stance is nominated again as a ministerial candidate, it will be a clear 'second personnel failure' and an irresponsible decision that repeats the mistakes made with Kang Sunwoo."