The paradox of a flood of anti-discrimination bills: "Even freedom of expression is being severely restricted"

In the 22nd National Assembly, a series of proposed anti-discrimination bills has sparked a sense of crisis that they are instead threatening the constitutional value of "freedom of expression." Critics warn that, under the banner of banning discrimination, these bills could become a "tool of reverse discrimination" that silences the majority of citizens.
According to the Protestant community on the 29th, the Holy Breakwater National Rally Preparatory Committee held a large-scale rally opposing the "anti-discrimination bills proposed in the 22nd National Assembly" after a worship service that began around 1:30 p.m. the previous day in front of the Seoul Metropolitan Council in Jung District, Seoul.
Participants held placards reading "Protect liberal democracy," "Guarantee the rights and interests of the majority of citizens," "Oppose the anti-discrimination law," and "Holy Breakwater," and they warned of the impact that introducing an anti-discrimination law could have on social order. Kim Woon-sung, pastor of Youngnak Presbyterian Church and appointed chair of the Holy Breakwater rally, criticized the proposal, saying, "A comprehensive anti-discrimination law is a bill that could undermine social order" and "It could also threaten freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution." Lee Yong-hee, head of the Esther Prayer Movement, urged, "Please actively spread the details of the anti-discrimination law through social media."
The Holy Breakwater National Rally Preparatory Committee has consistently voiced concerns about the anti-discrimination bills. Before the rally, the committee had already pointed out in a statement that "the anti-discrimination law could severely restrict freedom of expression by defining as 'discrimination' even expressions that criticize or raise concerns about socially contentious issues such as homosexuality and gender transition."
The committee also expressed hopes for the revival of Korean society and the church. Lee Seon-gyu, pastor of Joyful Church, prayed, "May the proper checks and balances among the legislative, judicial, and executive branches be restored," and added, "May those who exercise the separation of powers realize that there will be God's final judgment and work with fear and trembling before God." Pastor Lee Gyu of City Mission Church said, "God, who loves the Republic of Korea (South Korea), has established this nation on the foundation of liberal democracy and a market economy. Please raise precious workers as national leaders."
After the rally, starting around 4:45 p.m., participants continued with a march, occupying about 2 kilometers of roadway from in front of the Seoul Metropolitan Council to the vicinity of Cheong Wa Dae, the presidential office and residence of South Korea. They chanted slogans such as "Abolish evil laws," "Guarantee freedom of expression," and "Absolutely oppose the anti-discrimination law," while singing hymns as they marched. The march concluded around 5:40 p.m. near the Hyoja Police Substation in Jongno District. Participants also appealed to citizens to join the movement opposing the anti-discrimination law.
jyseo@fnnews.com Seo Ji-yoon and Yoon Hong-jip Reporter