Repercussions continue over a monthly magazine article contributed by Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Mio Sugita charging that the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community is "unproductive" because they "do not give birth to children" — and questioning the use of taxpayer money on policies that support same-sex couples. Members of the LGBT community and their supporters immediately protested Sugita's argument. The LDP as a party initially appeared to have no plans to take issue with what she wrote, but on Thursday the party cautioned Sugita over her "lack of understanding of the issue and expressions that lacked consideration for the people involved."

What Sugita wrote in the article contradicts what the LDP said two years ago: that it would "aim for a society in which diverse forms of sexual orientation and gender identity will be mutually accepted." Whether it is appropriate to rate people's "productivity" in terms of childbirth — or to judge on the necessity of government support for people on the basis of whether they are "productive" — should be reflected on. What's needed are not emotional attacks on the lawmaker or any attempt to silence her for her views, but efforts to turn the controversy into informed discussions on the issue of public support for sexual minorities.

Sexual minorities remain exposed to various prejudice, discrimination and bullying at schools and at work — with many of them keeping the problem to themselves as they find few people to turn to for help or advice. But in recent years, moves are gaining ground in this country to respect people's sexual diversity. Three years ago,