Japan Wants to Make Flag Burning Illegal

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has introduced a new bill. They want to make it illegal to damage Japan's national flag. The bill was submitted on June 16, 2026.

Other parties supported the bill too. These include the Japan Innovation Party, the Democratic Party for the People, and Sanseito. Together, they form a strong majority in parliament.

The bill makes it illegal to damage, remove, or deface the flag. The act must happen in public. It must also cause 'significant discomfort or disgust' in people.

The punishment is serious. People could go to prison for up to two years. Or they could pay a fine of 200,000 yen. That is about US$1,250.

This is the same punishment used for damaging foreign flags. That rule already exists in Japan's Penal Code.

Why does this matter for LGBTQ+ people? In Japan, activists sometimes burn or damage flags during protests. This is a form of free speech. LGBTQ+ activists use protests to demand equal rights. Japan still does not allow same-sex marriage.

The original bill also targeted social media. It would have made it illegal to share videos of flag burning online. That part was later removed. But rights groups are still worried.

Human Rights Watch criticized the bill. They say it limits freedom of expression. They warn that protest is an important tool for minority groups. LGBTQ+ people in Japan already face many legal barriers.

Japan is the only G7 country without legal recognition of same-sex couples at the national level. LGBTQ+ activists regularly protest in public spaces. Laws like this one could be used to silence them.

Critics say the wording of the bill is too vague. Who decides what causes 'discomfort or disgust'? This could give police too much power. Minority groups, including LGBTQ+ people, could be targeted unfairly.

The bill has not yet become law. But rights groups are calling on parliament to reject it. They say free expression must be protected for everyone.