Chaos in Japan parliament as defense bill sparks uproar

TOKYO: There were chaotic scenes inside Japan’s normally orderly parliament Wednesday as opposition lawmakers thronged a committee room in an unsuccessful bid to block Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s controversial security bills.

Dozens of politicians held signs protesting against what they said was the “forced” passage of legislation that will bolster the role of Japan’s military, in a way they say is anathema to the country’s pacifist constitution.