SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea’s high 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 mentioned 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 last and can’t be appealed.
“As we speak’s ruling is a historic victory for equality and human rights in South Korea,” Amnesty Worldwide mentioned in an announcement. “The courtroom has taken a big step in the direction of dismantling systemic discrimination and making certain 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 go well with.
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 step by step modified lately, however critics say the Asian nation nonetheless has a protracted approach to go in contrast with different developed nations. South Korea doesn’t legally acknowledge same-sex marriages.
“Whereas this resolution is a serious milestone, the case itself is a sobering reminder of the prolonged judicial processes that same-sex {couples} should endure to safe fundamental rights that needs to be universally assured,” Amnesty Worldwide mentioned.
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 mentioned he hopes the ruling will result in South Korea legally accepting same-sex marriages.
Kim mentioned he’s “very completely satisfied” as a result of he thinks the courtroom acknowledged his love for So.