Japan's Lower House Committee Begins Debate on Flag Desecration Bill

The Cabinet Committee of Japan's House of Representatives began substantive discussions Wednesday on a bill that would criminalize publicly damaging or defacing the national flag when the act causes extreme public discomfort or disgust. Under the proposed law, offenders would face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to ¥200,000.

The committee heard an explanation of the bill's purpose and held a question-and-answer session. The measure was jointly submitted by the Liberal Democratic Party, the Japan Innovation Party, the Democratic Party for the People and Sanseito. It stems from a coalition agreement between the Liberal Democratic Party and Japan Innovation Party to enact the legislation during the current special Diet session.

An opposition lawmaker stated that criminalizing such acts could violate freedom of thought and conscience guaranteed by the Constitution. He added that the measure would amount to enforcing respect for the flag through criminal punishment. A ruling party lawmaker responded that the bill is not intended to penalize thoughts or sentiments.

He said punishment would apply only to external acts conducted in public and would not intrude on inner thoughts. The same lawmaker stated that damaging acts tied to political expression, such as demonstrations, could constitute a crime if carried out publicly in an extremely uncomfortable or disgusting manner.

The Cabinet Committee plans to hear expert opinions on Thursday. The ruling bloc hopes to hold a vote on the bill as early as this week.