Court rules in favor of equal marriage in Japan | News

Nathan Rivera

31/05/2023

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This Tuesday a court in Nagoya (Japan's fourth largest city) ruled that the lack of legal recognition of same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, in what is considered the second ruling of this type issued by a court in the Asian country.

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The court decision is likely to increase pressure on the government to speed up efforts to protect the rights of sexual minorities; as Japan is the only nation in the Group of Seven without legal protection for equal marriage.

In a lawsuit filed by a homosexual couple in their 30s, the judges argued that preventing such unions goes against the Constitution, which stipulates the equality of men and women before the law.



The text of the ruling specifies that the laws in force in Japan "do not even provide a framework to protect relationships between same-sex couples", violating Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to equality, and Article 24, which guarantees freedom of marriage.

However, the Nagoya District Court rejected the plaintiffs' request that the state pay each 1,000,000 yen (US$7,100) in compensation.

In handing down the ruling, Judge Osamu Nishimura asserted that more people support the recognition of same-sex marriage, and that the reasoning behind excluding such couples from the legal marriage system is becoming "shaky," resulting in "hard to ignore."

The verdict was accompanied by the joy of the couple and supporters, who, outside the court, waved flags identifying the LGBTIQ+ community, considering the fact as another step towards marriage equality in the Asian country.

The judicial decision follows a similar one adopted by a court in Sapporo (north) in March 2021, which also argued that the Civil Code and family registration law in Japan violate constitutional guarantees of equality before the law.

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Nathan Rivera
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Nathan Rivera, a dedicated journalist who has had the privilege of writing for the online newspaper Today90. My journey in the world of journalism has been a testament to the power of dedication, integrity, and passion.

My story began with a relentless thirst for knowledge and an innate curiosity about the events shaping our world. I graduated with honors in Investigative Journalism from a renowned university, laying the foundation for what would become a fulfilling career in the field.

What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. I refuse to settle for superficial answers or preconceived narratives. Instead, I constantly challenge the status quo, delving deep into complex issues to reveal the reality beneath the surface. My dedication to investigative journalism has uncovered numerous scandals and shed light on issues others might prefer to ignore.

I am also a staunch advocate for press freedom. I have tirelessly fought to protect the rights of journalists and have faced significant challenges in my quest to inform the public truthfully and without constraints. My courage in defending these principles serves as an example to all who believe in the power of journalism to change the world.

Throughout my career, I have been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for my outstanding work in journalism. My investigations have changed policies, exposed corruption, and given a voice to those who had none. My commitment to truth and justice makes me a beacon of hope in a world where misinformation often prevails.

At Today90, I continue to be a driving force behind journalistic excellence. My tireless dedication to fair and accurate reporting is an invaluable asset to the editorial team. My biography is a living testament to the importance of journalism in our society and a reminder that a dedicated journalist can make a difference in the world.

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