So Seong-wook (left) and Kim Yong Min depart the Supreme Court docket constructing in Seoul, South Korea, on Thursday.
Suh Dae-yeon/Yonhap/AP
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Suh Dae-yeon/Yonhap/AP
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea’s prime courtroom dominated Thursday that same-sex {couples} are eligible to obtain the identical medical insurance advantages as heterosexual {couples}, a landmark verdict hailed by human rights teams.
The Supreme Court docket stated it dominated that the state medical insurance company’s refusal to supply spousal insurance coverage protection for homosexual {couples} was an act of discrimination that violates the constitutional precept of equality.
Thursday’s ruling is ultimate and can’t be appealed.
“Right now’s ruling is a historic victory for equality and human rights in South Korea,” Amnesty Worldwide stated in an announcement. “The courtroom has taken a big step in direction of dismantling systemic discrimination and guaranteeing inclusivity for all.”
A authorized battle between a 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 a dependent of Kim, prompting So to file an administrative swimsuit.
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’s spousal protection rights with out cheap grounds was discriminatory as a result of such advantages are given to heterosexual spouses.
Public views on gender points in South Korea have regularly modified lately, however critics say the Asian nation nonetheless has an extended strategy to go in contrast with different developed nations. South Korea doesn’t legally acknowledge same-sex marriages.
“Whereas this choice is a serious milestone, the case itself is a sobering reminder of the prolonged judicial processes that same-sex {couples} should endure to safe primary rights that needs to be universally assured,” Amnesty Worldwide stated.
So and Kim welcomed the ruling.
“After I listened to the decision, I used to be so moved that I could not maintain again my tears,” So informed reporters exterior the courtroom. He stated he hopes the ruling will result in South Korea legally accepting same-sex marriages.
Kim stated he’s “very completely happy” as a result of he thinks the courtroom acknowledged his love for So.
