Kishida Calls For Progress In Talks On Bills To Deal With Ex - Unification Church
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has expressed hope that the ruling-opposition talks will make progress on legislation to deal with the religious group previously known as the Unification Church.
Lawmakers of four parties are discussing key points to be included in bills to provide relief to people who say they were financially exploited by the ex-Unification Church. The bills also aim to prevent similar damage in the future.
Kishida was speaking on Monday at a meeting of government and ruling coalition officials.
He said he will go all-out to find out the facts of what the religious group has done by requesting reports from the group and asking questions based on the Religious Corporations Act.
He said the efforts will also focus on the relief of victims and legislation to prevent a recurrence.
Kishida added that the government, in close coordination with the ruling parties, will introduce bills to the current extraordinary Diet session, starting with one that is ready for submission.
The group is accused of soliciting large donations from followers and conducting dubious marketing practices.