Japan Same-Sex Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional by Courts

Two recent rulings in Japanese district courts have further advanced the push for legalizing same-sex marriage in Japan. The courts in Tokyo and Sapporo declared the nation’s current ban on same-sex marriage as “unconstitutional,” aligning with previous significant verdicts.

These rulings emphasized that the ban violates citizens’ rights, marking a crucial step towards marriage equality. Despite these positive developments, activists emphasize that the legalization of same-sex unions ultimately rests with lawmakers.

Japan stands out as the only G7 country that has yet to fully recognize same-sex couples or provide them with comprehensive legal protection. While some municipalities and prefectures issue same-sex partnership certificates offering certain benefits, they fall short of granting equal legal recognition.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s government faces mounting pressure on this issue, with public support for same-sex unions reaching up to 70%.

The recent court rulings underscore the importance of institutionalizing an appropriate same-sex marriage law in Japan, reflecting broad public support for this cause. The judiciary highlighted that living in accordance with one’s gender identity and sexual orientation is an inherent right deeply rooted in personal interests.

These legal challenges against the marriage ban have been ongoing since 2019, with multiple courts affirming the unconstitutionality of the ban.

The rulings come at a time when Japan is grappling with traditional gender roles and family values, signaling a potential shift towards greater inclusivity and recognition of LGBTQ+ rights within the country.

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