The Liberal Democratic Party-Komeito ruling coalition on Friday submitted a potentially game-changing bill to the Upper House aimed at eliminating hate speech.

Although the legislation may herald a break from Japan's traditionally lukewarm attitude toward curbing racism and hate speech, it imposes no penalties on violators, perhaps to avoid battles over free speech.

Before submission, the bill was approved by the LDP's general council at noon, said lawmaker Katsuei Hirasawa, who headed the LDP-Komeito task force charged with drawing up the bill.