Bill supporting 2027 World Youth Day violates Constitution, Jogye Order argues
Korea’s largest Buddhist sect is ramping up opposition to a bill that would allow the government to fund the hosting of World Youth Day, a Catholic event that Seoul is set to hold in 2027.
The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism launched a committee to block the National Assembly from passing the bill, which was floated in November. A review by the relevant parliamentary committee -- the first of the three-stage enactment process -- has yet to start.
In early November, the ruling People Power Party and main opposition Democratic Party of Korea separately proposed a bill providing financial and administrative support for hosting the international Catholic youth event.
The two bills, likely to be merged before going to a vote, mandate the prime minister to oversee government policies that would streamline government support.
The Jogye Order argues that the bill erodes the separation of church and state, making it a breach of the Constitution.
“In a multireligious society like ours, it’s unconstitutional to bring in the prime minister and other Cabinet ministers for an event that applies to one specific religion,” said the Ven. Shimwoo of the Jogye Order, Korea’s largest Buddhist sect.
No laws have ever been legislated to support a specific religious gathering, Shimwoo added, saying the sect would continue to oppose the move.
Jogye Order officials said the sect is planning to hold talks with Rep. Kim Byung-kee, the main opposition lawmaker who proposed the bill, saying World Youth Day is an international event that warrants public support.
Kim has asked for a meeting with the Jogye Order after it sent him a letter seeking the withdrawal of the bill. The letter was also sent to other legislators who sponsored the bill.
“Kim wants to hear more about the points we made in the letter,” a Jogye Order official said, declining to comment further. The letter is believed to cite a violation of the Constitution and a constitutional duty for lawmakers to prioritize national interest and not abuse their power.
What actions the Jogye Order will take depends on how the talks go, the official added.
World Youth Day last took place in Lisbon, Portugal in 2023, with an estimated 500,000 attendees.
