A Japanese group supporting sexual minorities has criticized controversial remarks on same-sex couples by Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's former secretary.

Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation said in a statement on its website on Saturday that the group found the situation extremely serious.

The statement added that the remark casts a shadow of doubt on the integrity of Japan in the international community, at a time when the country chairs the Group of Seven countries.

Kishida fired Arai Masayoshi on Saturday for making the remarks. He reportedly said he despises same-sex couples. Arai has been one of Kishida's secretaries since October 2021.

The group also said that Kishida's positions should be questioned even after the former secretary retracted his remarks.

It said while a nationwide survey shows an improved perception of sexual minorities, Arai's statement deviates from what many in society consider appropriate.

It pointed out that such outdated perceptions are behind the high percentage of attempted suicides by sexual minorities and the failure to sufficiently deal with the coexistence of careers and child-rearing.

The group called for a law that bans discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity during the current Diet session. It insists that the perceptions displayed in the latest gaffe result from outdated legal norms.