Artists' Union and art for all, among six groups, issue joint statement calling for repeal of the law on punishing flag desecration
Six art groups issue joint statement demanding repeal of law punishing flag desecrationSummary
Following the passage of the law on punishing flag desecration in the House of Councillors on July 17, six groups active in contemporary art and cultural expression—Artists' Union, trunk, Yorbe, Kyoto Artists’ Association, Unwashed Art Club, and art for all—issued a joint statement calling for its repeal. The statement notes that artistic expression has historically questioned relationships with society, history, politics, and power, and has generated new questions and dialogues by quoting, deforming, and critically engaging with symbols. It emphasizes that how a national flag as a symbol is expressed falls within the scope of the freedom of thought, conscience, and expression guaranteed in a democracy. Even if the law is intended for limited application, it poses a risk of restricting the freedom of expression protected by the Japanese Constitution and ICCPR Article 19, potentially leading to repression and a chilling effect on political and critical expression. To safeguard the freedom of expression that underpins both art and democracy, the groups demand the law’s immediate repeal. The full text of the statement is available.
(Source：美術手帖)