Comment on “”Nobody is unnecessary.” U.S. Ambassador expresses support for “LGBTQI+” in a video” [in Japanese]

On May 12, 2023, Asahi Shimbun introduced a comment by Professor Maiko Ichihara, GGR Researcher and Professor at the Graduate School of Law, Hitotsubashi University. She commented on the article ““Nobody is Unnecessary.” U.S. Ambassador expresses support for “LGBTQI+” in a video.” This article describes the video featuring ambassadors such as U.S. Ambassador Emmanuel expressing support for the LGBTQI+ community and opposing discrimination. Professor Ichihara explains this movement as an application of the human rights aspect of the international cooperative approach prioritized by the Biden administration and praises it as a desirable approach. There are critical views, stating that these actions are domestic interference. She refutes these criticisms, mentioning the fact LGBTQI+ protection against discrimination also protects international citizens in Japan, and argues that the concept of sovereignty is not relevant due to the universality of human rights.

https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASR5D7RD3R5DUHBI02R.html (in Japanese)