Kishida Vows To Push For Relief For Victims Of Ex - Unification Church
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says he will push to submit legislation to the current Diet session to provide relief to victims of the religious group previously known as the Unification Church.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito, and the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party and Nippon Ishin Japan Innovation Party are now divided over some points in the proposed legislation.
Kishida spoke with reporters on Tuesday after meeting with Komeito's leader.
Kishida said, "The government will make its utmost efforts to submit the bill to the Diet as soon as possible, and aim to do so during the current session."
Kishida says victims should be allowed to cancel contracts with the group, and seek damages for donations they made under pressure.
The ruling and opposition parties differ on some points of the proposed legislation focusing on such donation practices.
One point is the legal definition of so-called "mind control," when people donate large sums to a religious group, claiming they were under its influence.
Opposition parties say "mind control" should be clearly defined. But the ruling parties say it's difficult to determine whether someone is actually under "mind control."
The other point is how family members can recover donations on behalf of the victims.
Opposition parties say families should be granted the right to get donations back, with a court's approval.
But the ruling parties say granting such rights to families may restrict property rights set forth in Japan's Constitution. They suggest putting measures in place so families can file for damages.
The four parties agreed to continue discussions. Opposition parties asked the government to present an outline of the legislation by Monday, but the ruling parties did not commit to a time frame.