Japanese Court Rules Against Same-Sex Marriage Ban

The Associated Press reports:

A Japanese court ruled Wednesday the government’s ban on same-sex marriages is unconstitutional, recognizing the rights of same-sex couples for the first time in the only Group of Seven country that doesn’t acknowledge their legal partnership.

Even though the court dismissed the plaintiffs’ demand for government compensation, the precedent is a major victory for same-sex people and could affect similar lawsuits pending around the country.

The Sapporo District Court said sexuality, like race and gender, is not a matter of individual preference, therefore prohibiting same-sex couples from receiving benefits given to heterosexual couples cannot be justified.

Read the full article.

A Japanese court has ruled the government’s ban on same-sex marriages is unconstitutional, recognizing the rights of same-sex couples for the first time in the only Group of Seven country that doesn’t acknowledge their legal partnership. https://t.co/pU8V2BEIFc

— The Associated Press (@AP) March 17, 2021

Today’s landmark decision in Japan marks the first-ever ruling affirming the freedom to marry in the country’s history! Now it’s time for the National Diet to finish the job – and extend marriage to all loving families in Japan! ?? pic.twitter.com/xE0g8Zhj8B

— Freedom to Marry (@freedomtomarry) March 17, 2021

【違憲判決！】法律上同性のカップルへの婚姻を認めないことは、合理的な根拠を欠く差別的取り扱いであり、法の下の平等を定める憲法14条に違反する、と判決が下されました。実質的な勝訴です！！！ #結婚の自由をすべての人に #札幌0317 pic.twitter.com/0yHR95ZZdk

— MARRIAGE FOR ALL JAPAN -結婚の自由をすべての人に- マリフォー (@marriage4all_) March 17, 2021