Tokyo Court Upholds Ban on Same-Sex Marriage

Japan’s Supreme Court has ruled that the country’s ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional. This decision contrasts with several previous court rulings that had supported granting rights to same-sex couples, reports BBC.

When the ruling was announced, the plaintiffs and their legal team protested outside the courthouse, holding signs reading “unjust verdict.” One of the plaintiffs, Shino Kawachi, described the decision as “difficult to comprehend,” while her partner, Hiromi Hatogai, said she was “extremely outraged” but affirmed they would continue fighting.

Amnesty International called the ruling “a step backward for same-sex marriage” and urged the Japanese government to legally recognize these rights.

Japan is the only G7 country that does not fully recognize same-sex couples. In Asia, only Taiwan, Thailand, and Nepal legally permit such marriages.

This verdict is the last among six high court cases on same-sex marriage filed in Japan between 2019 and 2021. Five of the previous courts had ruled the ban unconstitutional but denied the plaintiffs’ compensation claims. The case will now proceed to the Supreme Court.