South Korea recognises spousal insurance cover for same sex couples in landmark ruling

Court ruling moves South Korea closer to achieving marriage equality, says Amnesty

File: Participants take part in a parade as it rains heavily during a Pride event in support of LGBTQ rights as part of the Seoul Queer Culture Festival in Seoul (AFP via Getty Images)

An appellate court in South Korea ordered the recognition of spousal coverage for same-sex couples by state health insurance in a landmark ruling for members of the queer community.

The ruling by Seoul High Court on Tuesday is the "first recognition of the legal status of a same-sex couple", said lawyer Ryu Min-hee from the team of lawyers that represented the plaintiff.

This order overturns a lower court’s ruling which stripped the same-sex couples of the medical benefits available to heterosexual spouses.