Government hints at no longer fighting in disabled persons' lawsuits on 'self-support law'

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Government hints at no longer fighting in disabled persons' lawsuits on 'self-support law'

The new government has indicated that it will no longer continue fighting in lawsuits filed by the disabled persons demanding that the "beneficiary-pays principle" of the "self-support" law be revoked.

Lawsuits of this kind filed by 63 handicapped people are pending at 13 district courts across the nation.

During oral proceedings on September 24 at the Hiroshima District Court, the government stated, "The state will consider whether to take on the lawsuits in view of the coalition government policy of repealing the 'self-support' law."

Plaintiffs' legal team leader Fujioka Tsuyoshi at a news conference after the proceedings said, "I feel that today is the day of historic change that we have never experienced before."

Plaintiff Akiyasu Kazunori said, "I'm so glad. This is the result of our struggles. Large groups of people are now moving the government also to abolish other laws that are abusing human rights such as the notorious healthcare insurance system for the elderly aged 75 and older."

- Akahata, September 25, 2009