Japan court upholds ban on same-sex marriage but voices rights concern

• Court flags lack of legal protections for same-sex families
• Recognition of the lack is a “big step”, says activist
• Tokyo’s outsize influence adds heft for rest of Japan

TOKYO, Nov 30 (Reuters) – A Tokyo court upheld a ban on same-sex marriage on Wednesday but said a lack of legal protection for same-sex families violated their human rights, a comment welcomed by plaintiffs as a step towards aligning Japan with other G7 nations.

Japan is the only G7 nation that does not allow same-sex marriage, and its constitution defines marriage as based on the mutual consent of both sexes.

Although Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s ruling party has revealed no plans yet to review the matter or propose changes, several senior members support same-sex marriage.

More: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-awaits-same-sex-marriage-ruling-crucial-future-lgbtq-rights-2022-11-30/