• News
  • Sport
  • TV
  • Radio
  • Education
  • TV Licences
  • Contact Us
  • SOUTH AFRICA
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • SPORT
  • AFRICA
  • WORLD
  • FEATURES
  • OPINION
No Result
View All Result
1
Home Lifestyle

Japan court rules same-sex marriage ban is not unconstitutional in LGBTQ rights blow

20 June 2022, 9:30 AM  |
Reuters Reuters |  @SABCNews
Plaintiffs' lawyers and supporters show a banner that reads 'Unconstitutional decision' after a district court ruled on the legality of same-sex marriages outside Sapporo district court in Sapporo, Hokkaido, northern Japan March 17, 2021, in this photo taken by Kyodo. Mandatory credit Kyodo/via REUTERS

Plaintiffs' lawyers and supporters show a banner that reads 'Unconstitutional decision' after a district court ruled on the legality of same-sex marriages outside Sapporo district court in Sapporo, Hokkaido, northern Japan March 17, 2021, in this photo taken by Kyodo. Mandatory credit Kyodo/via REUTERS

Image: Reuters

Plaintiffs' lawyers and supporters show a banner that reads 'Unconstitutional decision' after a district court ruled on the legality of same-sex marriages outside Sapporo district court in Sapporo, Hokkaido, northern Japan March 17, 2021, in this photo taken by Kyodo. Mandatory credit Kyodo/via REUTERS

An Osaka court on Monday ruled that Japan’s ban on same-sex marriage was not “unconstitutional”, dealing a setback to LGBTQ rights activists in the only Group of Seven nation that doesn’t allow people of the same gender to marry.

Three same-sex couples – two male, one female – had filed the case in the Osaka district court, only the second to be heard on the issue in Japan. In addition to rejecting their claim that being unable to marry was unconstitutional, the court also threw out their demands for 1 million yen ($7 414) in damages for each couple.

“This is awful, just awful,” an unidentified female plaintiff said outside the courthouse in footage shown on public broadcaster NHK after the ruling, her voice cracking. It wasn’t immediately clear whether the plaintiffs planned to appeal.

The ruling dashes activists’ hopes of raising pressure on Japan’s government to address the issue after a Sapporo court in March 2021 decided in favour of a claim that not allowing same-sex marriage was unconstitutional.

The ruling triggered a surge of comment in social media in the country, where public support for same-sex marriage has been increasing in opinion polls.

“Unbelievable,” tweeted one lawyer working on third case on the issue being heard in Tokyo, with a verdict due later this year.

Japan’s constitution defines marriage as being based on “the mutual consent of both sexes”. But the introduction of partnership rights for same-sex couples in the capital of Tokyo last week, along with rising support in polls, had increased activists’ and lawyers’ hopes for the Osaka case.

‘GOOD OPPORTUNITY’

Japanese law is considered relatively liberal in some areas by Asian standards, but across the continent, only Taiwan has legalised same-sex marriage so far.

Under the current rules in Japan, same-sex couples are not allowed to legally marry, can’t inherit their partner’s assets – such as the house they may have shared – and also have no parental rights over their partner’s children.

Though partnership certificates issued by some individual municipalities help same-sex couples to rent a place together and have hospital visitation rights, they don’t give them the full legal rights enjoyed by heterosexual couples.

Last week the Tokyo prefectural government passed a bill to recognise same-sex partnership agreements – meaning more than half Japan’s population is now covered by such agreements.

While Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said the issue needs to be “carefully considered”, his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has not disclosed any plans to review the matter or propose legislation, though some senior LDP figures do favour reform.

The upcoming case in Tokyo means public debate on the issue will continue, particularly in the capital where an opinion poll by the Tokyo government late last year found roughly 70% were in favour of same-sex marriage.

Legalising same-sex marriage would have far-reaching implications both socially and economically, activists say, by making it easier for companies to attract and retain talented workers, and even help lure foreign firms to the world’s third-biggest economy.

“If Japan wants to once again take a leading position in Asia, it has a really good opportunity right now,” said Masa Yanagisawa, head of Prime Services at Goldman Sachs and a board member of activist group “Marriage for all Japan,” speaking prior to the Osaka verdict.

“International firms are reviewing their Asian strategy and LGBTQ inclusivity is becoming a topic … International businesses don’t want to invest in a location that isn’t LGBTQ-friendly.”

Share article
Tags: Same Sex MarriageCourtJapanBanLGBTQ
Previous Post

Communities in eThekwini bracing themselves for a year of water rationing to begin on Monday

Next Post

India coach Dravid backs Pant despite poor South Africa series

Related Posts

[File photo] Library seen in the image above.

City of Cape Town getting ready for South African Library Week

11 March 2023, 6:12 PM
British music producer Brian Eno addresses a news conference of the Starmus Festival V in Zurich, Switzerland June 24, 2019.

Venice Biennale to honour British musician Brian Eno

9 March 2023, 11:47 AM
Israel's Netta reacts as she wins the Grand Final of Eurovision Song Contest 2018 at the Altice Arena hall in Lisbon, Portugal, May 12, 2018.

Eurovision Song Contest final tickets sell out in 36 minutes

7 March 2023, 4:36 PM
Muslims offer prayers before having their Iftar (fast-breaking) meal during the holy month of Ramadan at a madrasa or religious school on the outskirts of Jammu August 8, 2012

Festivities ahead of Ramadan for Pinelands community

5 March 2023, 4:53 PM
A microphone on stage before a concert

Musicians to raise funds for charity

5 March 2023, 2:30 PM
Elton John performs as he returns to complete his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour since it was postponed due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions in 2020, in New Orleans, Louisiana, US, January 19, 2022.

Guns N’ Roses and Arctic Monkeys to headline Glastonbury along with Elton John

4 March 2023, 2:38 PM
Next Post
India head coach Rahul Dravid

India coach Dravid backs Pant despite poor South Africa series

Most Viewed

  • 24hrs
  • Week
  • Month
  • Eastern Cape ActionSA raises eyebrows over qualifications of senior officials
  • Unisa suspends registrar for various breaches of policy
  • Orlando Pirates player Thembinkosi Lorch found guilty of assault
  • Slain teen Palesa Malatji’s family calls for death sentence to be reinstated
  • Female student stabbed to death at NMU residence
  • Dr Nandipha’s looks during court appearances under the spotlight
  • Deadline for Zimbabwean Exemption Permits draws near
  • Reserve Bank expected to increase repo rate on Thursday
  • Zimbabwe receives 18 helicopters from Russian Federation
  • Eastern Cape ActionSA raises eyebrows over qualifications of senior officials
  • [Update] Johannesburg Mayor takes ill during State of the City Address debate
  • Dr Nandipha Magudumana – from celebrity doctor to fugitive
  • EFF receives backlash for inviting Prof Lumumba to address Public Lecture
  • Ramaphosa and Putin discuss Ukraine during phone call: Kremlin
  • Gqeberha SAPS offers R50 000 reward for info on missing four-year-old

LATEST

President 
Cyril Ramaphosa
 at the Rooiwal Water Works Plant received briefings from 
DWS Minister Mchunu and 
Health Minister Joe Paahla
  • Cholera outbreak
  • South Africa

Ramaphosa visits cholera-hit Hammanskraal


[File image] Police tape marks off a crime scene.
  • South Africa

Manhunt launched following shooting of two Mthatha taxi bosses


General view of the new floating LNG gas terminal, which allows Germany to import LNG via ship from other countries, in the harbour in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, November 15, 2022.
  • Business

Transportation essential for economic development in Northern Cape


  • Politics

Maughan praises court ruling as a ‘win for media freedom’


FILE PHOTO: European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson holds a press conference after a EU Interior ministers video conference in Brussels, Belgium December 14, 2020. REUTERS/Francois Walschaerts/File Photo
  • World

EU ministers seek long-stalled migration deal


Parliament arsonist accused Zandile Mafe appearing in court, January 18, 2022.
  • South Africa

Zandile Mafe’s case postponed to consult on psychiatric report


Weather

  • About the SABC
  • Contact Us
  • Jobs
  • Advertise
  • Disclaimer
  • Site Map

SABC © 2023

No Result
View All Result
  • SOUTH AFRICA
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • SPORT
  • AFRICA
  • WORLD
  • FEATURES
  • OPINION

© 2023

Previous Communities in eThekwini bracing themselves for a year of water rationing to begin on Monday
Next India coach Dravid backs Pant despite poor South Africa series