Japan Parliament Nears Passage of Flag Vandalism Bill
Japan's parliament is set to enact a bill that would criminalize public damage to the national flag. The legislation gained support from an opposition party after revisions limited its scope.
Japan's parliament is likely to pass legislation criminalizing public damage to the national flag before its current session ends next month. The bill would impose up to two years in prison or a fine of up to ¥200,000 for acts that cause people to feel "extremely uncomfortable or disgusted." The measure excludes posting videos of such acts on social media.
An opposition party agreed on Tuesday to co-sponsor the bill after negotiations with the ruling coalition. The party said the changes would limit punishment from the viewpoint of freedom of expression. The ruling bloc holds a minority in the upper house, making the additional support necessary for passage.
The coalition already controls the lower house. Four parties are now in talks to co-sponsor the legislation. The ruling coalition had committed to enacting the bill before the session ends July 17.
