WAN protests against the sexist comments made in the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly.

Japanese lawmaker Akihiro Suzuki (LDP) has apologized in response to the protests from Ayaka Shiomura (Your Party) though the apology was considered to be too late. The apology was made due to the pressure from public opinion. In addition to Suzuki, there were other male lawmakers in the Assembly who either made sexist gibes or jeered, but remained silent.

The Assembly did not pass the resolution calling for the identification of the speaker and their resignation. The Assembly tried to bring the incident to an end without charging anybody. It shows that sexist attitudes are deeply rooted within the Assembly.

Since similar sexist comments and behavior have been made in other legislative assemblies in Japan, WAN urges that these assemblies take remedial actions against prevalent sexual harassment in the assemblies.

Executive Board; Certified NPO, Women’s Action Network

Translated and adapted by Fumie Saito
Original Statement on the WAN Website (June 30, 2014): http://wan.or.jp/emergency/?p=1765