Tokyo Court Upholds Japan's Same-Sex Marriage Ban, Dealing Setback to LGBTQ+ Rights

The Tokyo District Court has upheld Japan's ban on same-sex marriage, marking a significant legal setback for LGBTQ+ rights advocates and creating a complex national judicial landscape. This ruling contrasts with several progressive lower court decisions that had found the ban unconstitutional, introducing new uncertainty into Japan's path toward marriage equality.The court determined that the current ban does not violate the constitution, deferring instead to the national legislature's ongoing deliberation on the matter. This decision directly affects the plaintiffs—same-sex couples who argued that the government's failure to recognize their unions violated their constitutional rights to equality and freedom of marriage.The ruling maintains Japan's status as the only G7 nation without nationwide legal recognition for same-sex partnerships, creating practical challenges for couples regarding hospital visitation rights, inheritance, and family legal protections. While local governments in some jurisdictions have issued symbolic partnership certificates, this national-level decision reinforces the central government's authority over marriage law.The judgment comes amid shifting public opinion, with recent polls showing majority support for marriage equality among younger Japanese citizens. Legal experts note that despite this setback, the growing patchwork of conflicting court rulings across Japan increases pressure on the national Diet to establish clear, consistent legislation addressing same-sex unions. Advocacy groups have immediately announced plans to appeal the decision while intensifying public awareness campaigns and legislative lobbying efforts.

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