Japanese court says same-sex marriage constitutional

Japan LGBTQ

Japanese court backs same sex marriage. Above members of Japan's LGBTQ

japanese court backs same sex marriage
Japanese court backs same sex marriage. Above members of Japan’s LGBTQ

By Muhaimin Olowoporoku

A Japanese court has ruled that same-sex marriage is constitutional, setting the stage for a new era of marriage equality in the country.

It was the first time that a court has ruled on the constitutionality of same-sex marriage in Japan.

The East Asian country is the only G7 country that has not recognised either same-sex civil unions or same-sex marriage.

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The case began in 2019 when three couples in Hokkaido prefecture filed a lawsuit claiming 1 million yen (about $9,160) in damages each for the psychological harm caused by the government not allowing same-sex marriage.

Sapporo District Court in Hokkaido ruled on Wednesday that the government’s lack of recognition for same-sex marriage was in breach of a section of the constitution that requires equal laws for everyone.

The court, however, dismissed the couples’ claims for damages.

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