A court in South Korea now recognizes same-sex couples, and a report shows that violence against LGBT people in Europe is at a decade high.

Court In South Korea Recognizes Same-Sex Couples

For the first time, a South Korean court has recognized a same-sex couple's legal rights in the nation.

In a historic decision, the Seoul High Court determined that a government health insurer owed coverage to a customer's spouse after the company terminated it after it learned the two were gay.

The men had a wedding ceremony in 2019, but South Korea does not recognize same-sex unions.

According to activists and BBC, the decision marks a big step forward for LGBT rights in the nation.

The Supreme Court will, however, hear an appeal of the case.

So Seong-wook, the plaintiff, expressed his appreciation for the decision and “recognition of a very obvious right that has not been given.” 

Report Shows Violence Against LGBT People In Europe At A Decade High

 Photo via ilga-europe.org.

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association Europe (ILGA-Europe) 2023 report claims that anti-LGBT violence has reached a decade-high, and that 2022 was "the most dangerous year for LGBTI persons" in Europe and Central Asia.

The study clarifies how past years' encouraging trends appear to be reversing themselves and how increased hate speech from well-known public individuals and organizations has detrimental, real-world effects on the equality and human rights of the LGBT community.

The aggressiveness is attributed by ILGA-Europe to the rising trend of hate speech, which is generating a lot of concern because of how quickly it is spreading across internet channels.

Luckily, the report also makes note of the growth in judicial reactions to bias-motivated speech and the conviction of those responsible for hate crimes, as well as the fact that the rise in hate speech has been matched by an increase in the judiciary's responses.