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In landmark ruling, Japan court says not allowing same-sex marriage is unconstitutional
By Elaine Lies
Reuters
TOKYO (Reuters) - A Japanese court ruled on Wednesday that not allowing same-sex couples to marry is unconstitutional, setting a precedent in the only G7 nation not to fully recognise same-sex partnership.
The ruling by a district court, the first in Japan on the legality of same-sex marriages, is a major symbolic victory in a country where the constitution still defines marriage as being based on the mutual consent of both sexes .
While a new law will be needed before same-sex marriages can actually take place which could take some time in socially conservative Japan LGBT activists celebrated the ruling and said it had the potential to change their lives.
A Japanese district court on Wednesday ruled that not allowing same-sex couples to marry is “unconstitutional” because it breaches the right to equality, setting a new precedent in the only G7 nation not to fully recognise same-sex unions.
The plaintiffs are among 13 same-sex couples who filed lawsuits on Valentine’s Day in 2019 seeking to force the government to recognise gay marriage.
In the first ruling on the lawsuits, a court in Sapporo turned down a request for damages of one million yen ($9,000) per person for being denied the same legal rights as heterosexual couples.
But the court found that the failure to recognise same-sex marriage was unconstitutional – hailed as a major breakthrough by campaigners.
Japanese court rules same-sex marriage ban is âunconstitutionalâ
Elaine Lies
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Tokyo | A Japanese district court on Wednesday ruled that not allowing same-sex couples to marry is âunconstitutionalâ, setting a new precedent in the only G7 nation not to fully recognise same-sex partnership, though it rejected demands for damages to be paid.
The ruling, the first in Japan on the legality of same-sex marriages, is a major symbolic victory in a country where the constitution defines marriage as being based on âthe mutual consent of both sexesâ.
International companies say a more open approach to same-sex relationships will help make Japan more competitive. Â
March 17, 2021 | 5:37 pm Font Size
FREEPIK
TOKYO â A Japanese court ruled on Wednesday that not allowing same-sex couples to marry is âunconstitutional,â setting a precedent in the only G7 (Group of 7) nation not to fully recognize same-sex partnership.
The ruling by a district court, the first in Japan on the legality of same-sex marriages, is a major symbolic victory in a country where the constitution still defines marriage as being based on âthe mutual consent of both sexes.â
While a new law will be needed before same-sex marriages can actually take place â which could take some time in socially conservative Japan â LGBT activists celebrated the ruling and said it had the potential to change their lives.