South Korean court overturns conviction of soldiers for gay sex
NBCAPR 2022
South Korea Court Upholds Military Same-Sex Relationships Ban
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The Spin
Narrative A
The decision to uphold an outdated law — which fuels violence and discrimination against and stigmatization of soldiers in the LGBTQ community — is a distressing setback in the decades-long struggle for gay rights and equality in the armed forces both in South Korea and worldwide.
Narrative B
Allowing same-sex relationships between troops would undermine military discipline, potentially upend the army's hierarchy, and thus may impact South Korea's military readiness. In addition, Article 92-6 is not meant to punish sexual orientation but to deter sexual abuse in the army.