The Seoul High Court made history on Tuesday when it recognised spousal coverage of state health insurance for a same-sex couple, overturning a lower court’s ruling that denied them this right. This marks the court’s first-ever legal recognition of the status of a same-sex couple. So Sung-wook, the plaintiff in the case, filed a lawsuit against the National Health Insurance Service after the state health insurer denied him spousal coverage, despite granting such rights to other common law couples.
In a country where same-sex marriage is not legally recognised, this verdict is a major milestone for LGBTQ+ rights. The appellate court said that the spousal coverage system under the state health insurance scheme was not just for families as defined by law, and that not granting the rights to same-sex couples was discrimination. The court further added that protecting the rights of minorities is the “biggest responsibility” of the court as the “last bastion” of human rights.
“We are glad this judiciary judgement reveals what kind of discrimination so many sexual minorities have been facing until now,” So Sung-wook told reporters after the ruling. This landmark verdict is a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in South Korea, and it remains to be seen how it will impact the country’s legal landscape and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
The ruling has been praised by LGBTQ+ activists and human rights organizations worldwide, who see it as a beacon of hope for the community’s rights in South Korea. While there is still much to be done to ensure full equality for all LGBTQ+ individuals, this verdict is a crucial step in the right direction. As the court noted, protecting the rights of minorities is a crucial responsibility, and this verdict is a testament to the court’s commitment to that principle.
