Jehovah's Witnesses followers sue Japanese government

[dljbsp]

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/04/13/japan/crime-legal/jehovahs-witnesses-sue-japan-government/

About 20 followers of Jehovah’s Witnesses, along with the organization’s Japan branch and several believing parents, have sued the Japanese government to overturn child-abuse guidelines they say violate religious freedom, equality under the law, and the Constitution; the government says the guidelines are simply technical advice for local authorities and are meant to help identify abuse objectively, including cases involving corporal punishment or refusal of medically necessary blood transfusions for children.

[trottigy]

Quote

The guidelines also cites parental acts it considers neglect, such as refusing blood transfusions deemed necessary for a child by doctors.

 

Followers of Jehovah's Witnesses met with Japanese government officials in 2023 over the refusal of blood transfusions and other issues and demanded a revision of the guidelines.

Interesting....

[LeolaRootStew]

"According to court records, the plaintiffs include the Japanese branch of Jehovah's Witnesses in Ebina, Kanagawa Prefecture."

[Barbllm]

Interesting. Not a new problem, either:

 

“While the pamphlets highlighted important information about child abuse and offered a highly valuable line of contact between young people and the State regarding their human rights, it is disappointing that the pamphlets appear to target some practices and activities, especially those of Jehovah’s Witnesses,” the experts said. “Rather than protecting children who belong to religion or belief minorities, these materials risk contributing to their bullying and marginalization,” they said. Consultations with civil society and minorities in relation to the “Q&A on Responses to Child Abuse Related to Religious Beliefs, etc.” (“Q&A Guidelines”), can help address these discriminatory concerns, they said. UN experts concerned by stigmatization of religious minorities