Japan High Court Rules Denial of Same-Sex Marriage Unconstitutional

In a landmark decision, Japan’s high court has ruled that the denial of same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, marking a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in the country. The ruling, announced on March 15, 2025, comes after years of legal battles and growing public support for marriage equality.

Japan, a nation with deep-rooted traditional values, has lagged behind many other developed countries in recognizing same-sex unions. While some municipalities have issued partnership certificates to same-sex couples, these do not carry the same legal weight as marriage. The high court’s decision challenges the status quo and could pave the way for nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage.

The case was brought by several same-sex couples who argued that the current civil code, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman, violates their constitutional right to equality. The court agreed, stating that the denial of marriage rights to same-sex couples is discriminatory and unconstitutional.

Activists and LGBTQ+ advocates have hailed the ruling as a historic victory, though they caution that further legislative action is needed to fully realize marriage equality. The decision also places pressure on the Japanese government to amend the civil code and align it with the court’s ruling.

This ruling reflects a broader shift in Japanese society, where younger generations increasingly support LGBTQ+ rights. However, conservative voices within the government and society may still pose challenges to implementing changes.

For now, the high court’s decision is a beacon of hope for Japan’s LGBTQ+ community, signaling progress toward greater inclusivity and equality.

For more details, you can read the original article on Kyodo News: [Japan High Court Rules Same-Sex Marriage Denial Unconstitutional]

(https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/03/5b3d6ad7dddc-urgent-japan-high-court-rules-same-sex-marriage-denial-unconstitutional.html).