Japan PM sacks adviser over homophobic comments – ‘I can’t even look at them’

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has decided to fire his advisor due to derogatory comments about LGBTQ couples.

Government adviser Masayoshi Arai is quoted as saying that he would not want to live next to people who have entered into same-sex relationships, or even look at them. Arai also warned that allowing same-sex marriage in Japan would lead many to leave the country, the BBC reports.

The Japanese prime minister called the comments “outrageous” and “completely incompatible” with his government’s policies.

Japan is the only G7 nation that does not recognize same-sex marriage. However, recent polls show that most Japanese support gay marriage. A number of same-sex couples have also filed lawsuits across Japan in recent years, arguing that the same-sex marriage ban violates the country’s constitution.

Before the advisor’s sacking, the prime minister had spoken out about same-sex marriage issues in parliament. He specifically stated that it should be carefully considered because of the potential impact on traditional family structures.

The resignation comes as Fumio Kishida’s popularity ratings have plummeted in recent months

Arai’s comments that led to his dismissal were made to reporters when he said he “wouldn’t like it if [τα ζευγάρια ΛΟΑΤΚΙ] they lived next to him” and that “he doesn’t even want to see them”. He added that this would “change the way society is” and that “many people would leave this country,” according to Kyodo News.

The Prime Minister was quick to respond: “We respect diversity and implement an inclusive society.”

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