South Korea’s Supreme Court gay rights ruling is ‘historic victory’

• South Korea’s Supreme Court has issued a landmark ruling that the country’s health insurance authorities’ refusal to offer spousal insurance to same-sex couples violates the constitutional principle of equality.
• The legal battle began when same-sex couple Seo Sung-wook and Kim Young-min sued a state insurance company, claiming that Seo had revoked his registration of Kim as a dependent.
• Critics say South Korea still has a long way to go compared to other developed countries, where same-sex marriage is not legal.

South Korea’s Supreme Court ruled Thursday that same-sex couples are eligible for the same health insurance benefits as opposite-sex couples, a landmark decision welcomed by human rights groups.

The Supreme Court said it had ruled that the state health insurance authority’s refusal to provide spousal coverage to same-sex couples was a discriminatory act that violated the constitution’s principle of equality.

Thursday’s ruling is final and cannot be appealed.

Ex-CIA analyst indicted on charges of acting as covert agent for South Korean spy agency in exchange for gifts

“Today’s ruling is a historic victory for equality and human rights in South Korea,” Amnesty International said in a statement. “The court has taken a major step towards eliminating systemic discrimination and ensuring inclusion for all.”

The legal battle between same-sex couple Seo Sung-wook and Kim Young-min and the National Health Insurance Service began when Seo filed an administrative lawsuit after the service revoked his registration as Kim’s dependent.

In 2022, the Seoul Administrative Court ruled in favor of the insurance company. However, in February 2023, the Seoul High Court overturned the earlier ruling, finding that denying Seo’s right to spousal insurance without reasonable grounds was discriminatory, as such benefits are given to heterosexual spouses.

Public opinion on gender issues in South Korea has been slowly changing in recent years, but critics say the Asian nation still has a long way to go compared to other developed countries. South Korea does not legally recognise same-sex marriage.

“This ruling is a major milestone, but the case itself is a solemn reminder of the lengthy legal process that same-sex couples must endure to be guaranteed fundamental rights that should be universally guaranteed,” Amnesty International said.

Click here to get the FOX News app

Seo and Kim welcomed the verdict.

“When I heard the verdict, I was so moved that I couldn’t stop crying,” Seo told reporters outside the court, adding that he hoped the ruling would lead to same-sex marriage being legalized in South Korea.

Kim said she was “very happy” because she believes the court has recognized her love for Seo.