High Court Moves Japan Closer To Marriage Equality

The Associated Press reports:

A second high court in Japan ruled on Wednesday that the government’s policy against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, the latest in a series of decisions upholding plaintiffs’ demands for marriage equality.

The Tokyo High Court called the ongoing ban “a groundless legal discrimination based on sexual orientation”, saying it violates the constitutional guarantee of right to equality, as well as individuals’ dignity and equality between sexes. It was a clearer statement than the 2022 lower court decision that described the situation as “an unconstitutional state”.

Japan’s conservative Liberal Democratic Party’s ruling coalition lost a parliamentary majority in Sunday’s election and is likely to have to compromise on more liberal policies pushed by the opposition parties such as marriage equality, which is largely supported by the general public.

Read the full article. Elsewhere in Asia, same-sex marriage is legal in Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan. Thailand’s law takes effect January 1st.

Tokyo high court adds its voice alongside 70+% public support, urging the government and Diet to act. It’s time for the @freedomtomarry in #Japan. @marriage4all_ https://t.co/S6rUeaOBpy

— Evan Wolfson (@evanwolfson) October 30, 2024