Japan step by step towards equality

LGBTI+s can now sign partnership agreements in Tokyo, the capital of Japan. Japan is the only G7 country where marriage equality is not recognized.

In Tokyo, the capital of Japan, which is the only G7 country (the union of the seven largest economies in the world) where marriage equality is not recognized, LGBTI+s will now be able to sign a partnership agreement. This was reported by Bloomberg.

Soshi Matsuoka, president of the Fair, which works for LGBTI+ rights in Tokyo, told Boloomberg: “Bringing the system to Tokyo is extremely positive, but partnership is not enough. We want equal marriage.”

There has been a struggle for the right to equal marriage in the country for years, although the research shows that the public supports equal marriage, the government in Japan does not take this step for equality.

One of the symbolic actions in the country for equal marriage took place in 2019. On Valentine's Day, February 14, 13 same-sex couples filed suit against the Japanese government. The lawsuit was filed on the grounds that the couples suffered material and moral damage due to the non-recognition of marriage equality.

In order to benefit from the partnership system in Tokyo, at least one of the partners must live, work or study in this city. Applications will be made online and contracts will be valid from 1 November.