On the 6th, a bill to revise the Saitama Prefecture Abuse Prohibition Ordinance, which forbids leaving children alone or leaving them alone, is considered “neglect” and constitutes abuse.The prefectural assembly Welfare, Health and Medical Committee deliberated on the 6th. Although some people objected to the bill, saying it was “too broad,” it was passed with the support of the Liberal Democratic Party prefectural assembly group that proposed it, as well as Komeito members. (Daiki Iizuka)
◆“Requests from other parties will not affect the discussion”
The Liberal Democratic Party presented its policy on the revised bill to other factions at the parliamentary steering committee last month, and the Communist Party’s prefectural assembly group subsequently requested amendments. Liberal Democratic Party leader Takumi Tamura, who tabled the amendment bill at a plenary session on the 4th, said, “Requests from other parties have not affected discussions within the group.”
At the same committee meeting on the 6th, Kenichi Kokubo (Liberal Democratic Party) explained the revised bill as a “philosophical ordinance aimed at changing awareness and promoting environmental improvements that prioritize child safety.” He said that the definition of “neglect” is “not defined because it would narrow the scope,” and when asked about the ability to improve the environment, such as eliminating childcare waiting lists, he answered, “As you have pointed out, we will ask the prefecture to manage the situation appropriately.”
◆“Major confusion in society”
In response, the Prefectural Citizens’ Assembly submitted a revised proposal. The revised bill makes it “obligatory” for children in the third grade of elementary school and below to “make efforts,” and the prohibition is limited to activities such as leaving children behind for long periods of time. The Communist Party of Japan also supported the prefectural council’s proposal, saying it would “force caregivers (guardians, etc.) into a corner with excessive burdens and arouse suspicion among neighboring residents,” but it was rejected. The Democratic Forum called for continued deliberation, saying, “If it is implemented in its current state, there will be great chaos in society and government,” but the bill was rejected. Komei supported the amendment, saying it would like to consider revising it to suit the actual circumstances of prefectural residents after it goes into effect.
When asked for his opinion at the committee meeting, Naofumi Kaneko, director of the prefecture’s welfare department, said, “I understand the philosophy,” but expressed concern that compliance would be difficult and that “the philosophy itself may no longer be followed.” In an interview after the meeting, he said that it would be difficult for the prefecture to take measures to improve the environment overnight, and that the prefecture would “examine the provisions and reconsider the boundaries of what is prohibited and what should be reported.”
The committee’s factions consist of 7 Liberal Democrats, 1 Komeito, 2 Democratic Forum, 1 Communist Party, and 1 Prefectural Citizens’ Conference.
2023-10-06 23:45:00
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