The student council of Korea University in Seoul has revised its rules to ban discrimination against LGBTI people after several homophobic incidents on campus.

It is the first student body of a South Korean university to do so.

Earlier this year, a placard welcoming new LGBTI students was torn down by unidentified individuals. A similar incident occured at Ewha Womans University, sparking concerns about homophobia on campuses.

‘In addition to the placard incident, there were homophobic remarks during some of the classes and school events. Representatives of all colleges agreed on the need to ban discrimination, leading us to pass the revision,’ council head Choi Jong-un told the Korea Herald.

Han Ga-ram, member of Korean Lawyers for Public Interest and Human Rights, welcomed the ‘little overdue’ decision.

‘I believe it will become a catalyst for people to actively speak out for human rights and freedom of speech regarding sexual minorities among students,’ he said.

‘It is also in keeping with the global trend. Korea voted in favor of a UN Human Rights council resolution on SOGI [sexual orientation and gender identity] that was passed last month.’

Moon Yong-rin, the former Seoul education chief, tried earlier this year to remove a clause from the student rights ordinance that banned discrimination against LGBTI people.

He failed but the popular support was a reminder of the hostility that LGBTI people in Korea face.

Earlier this month, Seoul Mayor Park Soon-won said he hoped South Korea would be the first country in Asia to allow gay marriage. He later said his words had be misinterpreted.