Japan’s government on Thursday passed a law to help people who have suffered economic hardship and have been affected after donations solicited by controversial religious groups and movements, such as the Unification Church, whose case has gained attention after the self-confessed assassin of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe linked him to the organization, which he blames for ruining his family.
This regulation will allow supporters of these organizations and their families to cancel such donations if they have been solicited «maliciously» and prohibits such groups from asking their followers to borrow money and then donate it.
The opposition, however, has insisted on the need to extend the restrictions to protect more victims under the legislation, according to Kiodo news agency.
The legislation has been designed after relatives of former Unification Church followers have sent complaints to the government claiming that the group has bankrupted their families due to large donations solicited.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s approval rating has fallen largely due to government inaction in addressing the issues. The Unification Church, founded in the country in 1954, is known for its «spiritual sales» and pressuring followers to buy exorbitantly priced items.
Now, legislation on such donations will prohibit these groups from collecting illicit funds through coercion. Groups involved in unfair solicitation can be subject to fines of up to one million yen (about 7,200 euros) and imprisonment of up to one year.
