SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea’s top court ruled Thursday that same-sex couples are eligible to receive the same health insurance benefits as heterosexual couples, a landmark verdict hailed by human rights groups.

The Supreme Court said it ruled that the state health insurance agency’s refusal to provide spousal insurance coverage for gay couples was an act of discrimination that violates the constitutional principle of equality.

Thursday’s ruling is final and cannot be appealed.

“Today’s ruling is a historic victory for equality and human rights in South Korea,” Amnesty International said in a statement. “The court has taken a significant step towards dismantling systemic discrimination and ensuring inclusivity for all.”

A legal battle between a gay couple, So Seong-wook and Kim Yong-min, and the National Health Insurance Service began after the insurance agency revoked So’s registration as a dependent of Kim, prompting So to file an administrative suit.

In 2022, the Seoul Administrative Court ruled in favor of the insurance agency. But in February 2023, the Seoul High Court overturned the earlier verdict, saying that denying So’s spousal coverage rights without reasonable grounds was discriminatory because such benefits are given to heterosexual spouses.

Public views on gender issues in South Korea have gradually changed in recent years, but critics say the Asian country still has a long way to go compared with other developed countries. South Korea doesn’t legally recognize same-sex marriages.

“While this decision is a major milestone, the case itself is a sobering reminder of the lengthy judicial processes that same-sex couples must endure to secure basic rights that should be universally guaranteed,” Amnesty International said.

So and Kim welcomed the ruling.

“When I listened to the verdict, I was so moved that I couldn’t hold back my tears,” So told reporters outside the court. He said he hopes the ruling will lead to South Korea legally accepting same-sex marriages.

Kim said he is “very happy” because he thinks the court recognized his love for So.

Copyright 2024 NPR

by: AP

Posted: Jul 17, 2024 / 09:38 PM EDT

Updated: Jul 17, 2024 / 09:41 PM EDT

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Eddie Dunning, who painted the South Carolina Gamecock logo at midfield in Williams-Brice Stadium for 40 seasons, has died, university officials said. He was 69.

South Carolina’s athletic department announced his death Wednesday. Dunning’s obituary said he died on July 13 at a Columbia hospital. No cause of death was provided.

Dunning joined the department in 1983 and began painting the longtime Gamecocks’ logo at the center of the football field the next year.

“He will be greatly missed,” South Carolina athletics said in a social media post.

The post said that Dunning volunteered to deliver food to his community through the Harvest Hope organization.

Dunning explained his process in a video posted by The State newspaper in honor of his 32nd season. He said he typically started painting the logo on Thursday so it will be finished and dry by a Saturday game day.

“When everybody’s happy, I’m happy,” Dunning said about his finished product.

__

Updated July 17, 2024 at 15:45 PM ET

Republicans will hold former President Donald Trump’s nominating convention this week in Milwaukee and NPR will provide special coverage of the RNC Monday through Thursday.

Tap on the video above starting at 9 p.m. ET to watch NPR’s live in-studio coverage with hosts and correspondents as the speeches in Milwaukee unfold. You can also listen to our live on-air coverage on many public radio stations and on the NPR app.

Loading…

Copyright 2024 NPR