Christian Groups Denounce Legal Equalization of Cohabitation as 'Unfair'

As the government reviews proposals to grant de facto married couples equivalent legal rights to legally married couples, attention is turning to whether this could provide greater legal protection for the estimated 3.5 million unmarried couples. The government is discussing measures that would grant inheritance rights to de facto spouses even without a will, and protect their equity upon the sale of a home.

The legal requirements include having lived together for over three years or having children. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy stated the goal is to create a fair system to protect those who are vulnerable when a relationship ends.

However, major Christian organizations in Korea have voiced opposition, arguing that this equalization of de facto marriage undermines the foundation of the marriage institution and is unfair. Joanna Tim, Senior Policy Officer at the Christian Research Institute, argued that enjoying legal benefits without a formal commitment is unfair, and that equating marriage with de facto unions hinders the promotion of marriage.