National public servants in Japan face harsh penalties if they discriminate against LGBTI people.

The National Personnel Authority (NPA) coordinates matters relating to Japan’s civil servants and this year changed regulations to prevent harassment at government bodies.

The regulations state discriminatory speech and behavior about LGBTI people will constitute sexual harassment.

Statements like ‘homosexuals are sickening’ or calling someone a ‘man-woman’ will now be defined as sexual harassment.

‘We’ve long understood these behaviors to be examples of sexual harassment, but as issues surrounding sexual minorities have become more prevalent in our society in recent years, we decided to make the rules clearer,’ an NPA official said.

Workplace rules regarding sexual harassment in the private sector are controlled by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

While obscene remarks and behavior toward LGBTI people constitute sexual harassment, there are no rules preventing discriminatory language and actions.

Being LGBTI in Japan’s workforce

The Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation (J-ALL) praise the NPA’s move to reduce discrimination.

‘The National Personnel Authority took the initiative to demonstrate their position that they won’t tolerate discrimination,’ J-All Secretary-General Yuichi Kamiya said.

‘We seek that similar action be taken by local governments and private corporations.’

J-All has reported it received many complaints from LGBTI people about their workplaces.

Common complaints include warnings about being ‘out’ in the workplace and stereotypes about gender roles.