South Korea’s constitutional court on Thursday narrowly upheld a law banning same-sex relations within the armed forces, citing a possible risk to the military’s combat readiness in a ruling criticised by activists as a setback for gay rights.
Under the country’s military criminal act, members of the armed forces face up to two years in prison for same-sex relationships. The law has been referred to the court and upheld by it four times since 2002.
In Thursday’s five-to-four ruling, the court said allowing same-sex relations could undermine discipline within the military and harm its combat capabilities.
- What an insult to the gay men who are willing to serve the country no matter what - gay men who are - willingforced to serve.- Military service is not optional in South Korea. 
- That’s the thing: most of them are not willingly there. Military service is compulsory for all able-bodied, South Korean men. 
 
- Does this mean gay sex between serving members or include while on any sort of leave etc. - Between members makes sense (but should apply to sex in general) - Imagine having to fill out the leave application - Purpose of Leave: gay sexy time - I have no idea if same sex marriage is legal there but would be really weird if you could be in a same sex marriage but while enlisted can’t have sex… 
 
- How are relationships in the military (particularly south Korean) usually handled. I read the article but was unable to find out if this ban is specifically for couples within the armed forces or if it also applies to a relationship with someone outside of the armed forces. Is there a difference for heterosexual relationships? I’m unsure of how South Korea recruits for the military (conscription or volunteer) but do they not accept people in certain relationships? I would love to know if anyone has the answers. 
- They can´t be serious, everybody knows that the armed forces consist almost exclusively of men! 
- Fuck south korea - Might be next to be outlawed 
 







