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.

    • Stovetop@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      gay men who are willing forced to serve.

      Military service is not optional in South Korea.

    • miseducator@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      That’s the thing: most of them are not willingly there. Military service is compulsory for all able-bodied, South Korean men.

  • phx@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    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)

    • Selmafudd@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      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…

  • Fleur__@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    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.

  • Nacktmull@lemm.ee
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    1 year ago

    They can´t be serious, everybody knows that the armed forces consist almost exclusively of men!