So Sung-uk and Kim Yong-min react throughout a information convention after the Supreme Court docket upheld a ruling {that a} same-sex couple was eligible to obtain spousal advantages from state medical health insurance, in Seoul, South Korea, July 18, 2024. | Picture credit score: Reuters
South Korea’s Supreme Court docket dominated on July 18 that same-sex {couples} are entitled to the identical medical health insurance advantages as heterosexual {couples}, a landmark verdict hailed by human rights teams.
The Supreme Court docket dominated that the state medical health insurance company’s refusal to offer spousal insurance coverage protection to homosexual {couples} was an act of discrimination that violates the constitutional precept of equality.
Thursday’s resolution is last and can’t be appealed.
“Immediately’s ruling is a historic victory for equality and human rights in South Korea,” Amnesty Worldwide stated in an announcement. “The court docket has taken an vital step in direction of dismantling systemic discrimination and making certain inclusion for all.”
A authorized battle between homosexual couple So Seong-wook and Kim Yong-min and the Nationwide Well being Insurance coverage Service started after the insurance coverage company revoked So’s registration as Kim’s dependent, prompting So to file an administrative lawsuit.
In 2022, the Seoul Administrative Court docket dominated in favor of the insurance coverage company. However in February 2023, the Seoul Excessive Court docket overturned the sooner verdict, saying that denying So spousal protection rights with out affordable grounds was discriminatory as a result of these advantages are granted to heterosexual spouses.
Public opinion on gender points in South Korea has been steadily altering in recent times, however critics say the Asian nation nonetheless has a protracted option to go in comparison with different developed nations. South Korea doesn’t legally recognise same-sex marriages.
“Whereas this resolution is a vital milestone, the case itself is a sobering reminder of the prolonged authorized processes that same-sex {couples} should endure to safe primary rights that must be universally assured,” Amnesty Worldwide stated.
He and Kim welcomed the ruling.
“After I heard the decision, I used to be so emotional that I could not maintain again my tears,” So advised reporters outdoors the courthouse. She stated she hopes the ruling will result in South Korea legally accepting same-sex marriages.
Kim stated she is “very blissful” as a result of she believes the court docket acknowledged her love for So.