Tokyo begins to recognize same-sex couples

tokyo began Tuesday to issue relationship certificates to same-sex couples who live and work in the capital japanesea long-awaited step in a country without same-sex marriage.

These certificates allow relationships LGBTQ be treated as married couples for some public services in matters such as housing, medicine or social assistance.

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More than 200 local governments in Japan have carried out initiatives to recognize same-sex unions since Tokyo’s Shibuya district launched the system in 2015.

Although it does not carry the same rights as a marriage, this move represents a welcome change for couples like Miki and Katie, who for a long time had no official proof of their relationship.

“My biggest fear was being treated like strangers in an emergency”Miki tells AFP at her home in tokyowhose refrigerator is decorated with images of this 36-year-old Japanese woman and her 31-year-old American partner.

As of Friday morning, 137 couples had applied for the certificate, the governor of tokyoYuriko Koike.

“The more people use these dating systems, the more courage our community will feel to talk to family and friends about their relationships,” trusts Miki, who asked to be mentioned by name only.

In recent years, Japanled by a conservative party that embraces traditional family values, took baby steps toward accepting sexual diversity.

More and more companies support same-sex marriage and characters LGBTQ appear more openly on television shows. A 2021 NHK television poll showed 57% support for same-sex marriage, against 37% against.

But there are still obstacles.

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A court in Sapporo last year found that the absence of legal same-sex marriage violated the constitutional principle of equality, but in June another court in Osaka ruled the opposite.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was cautious about the possibility of nationally recognizing same-sex unions.

Although welcome, the new system has limitations: it does not recognize the right to inheritance and it does not allow applying for a visa as a couple in the case of relationships between Japanese and foreigners.

Source: Elcomercio

Ronald Payne

I, Ronald Payne, am a journalist and author who dedicated his life to telling the stories that need to be said. I have over 7 years of experience as a reporter and editor, covering everything from politics to business to crime.