Japanese PM’s aide Dismissed Over Homophobic Comments

Japan

Fumio Kishida, the Prime Minister of Japan, terminated the employment of one of his staff members, Masayoshi Arai, due to his homophobic remarks.

The Prime Minister called the comments “outrageous” and incompatible with the government’s goal of promoting an inclusive society. After the remarks were made, Kishida promptly fired Arai from his position as secretary.

Arai had stated that he did not want to see married same-sex couples and that he would not like it if they lived next door. Despite apologizing for his inappropriate comments, the incident has further damaged the already declining approval ratings of Kishida’s government.