Children Of Ex - Unification Church Members Call For Relief Legislation
A group of people whose parents belong to the former Unification Church has called for swift legislation to relieve such children's suffering.
The group handed in a written request to Japan's ruling and opposition parties on Thursday.
The members say they suffered mental abuse by being forced to follow their parents' religion in closed family environments.
They say that infringed their freedom of religion and right to education.
In the request, the group calls for legislation during the current Diet session to address "economic neglect" and "education neglect" of children.
The terms refer to parents' making huge donations to religious organizations and putting priority on their teachings, thereby depriving their children of the right to education.
The group is calling for revisions to Japan's child abuse prevention law to stipulate criminal penalties for religious organizations that cause such abuse.
The members are also asking for a system to help children who suffer such abuse seek counseling and other support, as well as for more funding for child guidance centers.
A member of the group said relief for such children requires a legal basis, and that the current momentum for legislation must not go to waste.
Another member said she wants Prime Minister Kishida Fumio to first listen to what the group has to say.
She called for quick action, saying the problem does not affect only some families.
The former Unification Church, now called the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, is under close scrutiny for shady marketing practices and soliciting large donations from its members.
The organization said this month that it will promote reforms to give more consideration to children of its members. It says it will replace one-third of its branch heads with second-generation members.