ANI
21 Jun 2022, 17:57 GMT+10
Osaka [Japan], June 21 (ANI): An Osaka court on Monday dismissed a lawsuit, which argued that the government's ban on same-sex marriages was unconstitutional.
The court ruling, stating that the country's ban on same-sex marriage is not unconstitutional, makes Japan hte only G7 nation that does not recognize homosexual marital unions.
Three same-sex couples - two male, one female - filed a lawsuit in the Osaka District Court seeking 1 million yen (USD 7,400) per person as compensation, claiming that the present system barring them from marrying is "unjust discrimination", reported local media.
The judgement dismissing the lawsuit delivered a major setback to recent efforts aimed at increasing acceptance of sexual minorities. Dissatisfied with the verdict, the plaintiffs have decided to appeal to higher courts.
Monday's ruling contradicts the judgement made by the Sapporo court in 2021 ruling that barring same-sex marriages is, indeed, unconstitutional because it violates the right to equality, reported NHK Broadcasting Corporation.
Presiding judge Doi Fumi stipulated in her judgement that Article 24 of the Constitution states that marriage must be based on the mutual agreement of both sexes and since it does not mention same-sex marriage, barring it is not unconstitutional.
Referring to Article 14 of the Constitution stating that all persons are equal under the law, she described marriage between heterosexual partners as a means of allowing society to protect couples that reproduce and raise children.
The judge also said how society is to protect same-sex couples wishing to marry is a matter of debate on which a conclusion has yet to be reached.
She added that at the same time, one should not interpret the Constitution as prohibiting same-sex marriage or similar frameworks. The interpretation should be made in a democratic fashion, taking into account Japan's traditions, public sentiment and issues faced by married couples and families.
The plaintiffs' lawyer, Miwa Akiyoshi, criticized the verdict, claiming that the court failed to make a compelling case for why same-sex couples should not be allowed to marry, and he will be joining the plaintiffs and their supporters in fighting the case, the NHK report further stated.
Many regional governments issue certificates to recognize homosexual and bisexual partnerships, but those are not legally binding.
Currently, only heterosexual couples can avail the privileges resulting from marriage, like inheritance rights, tax benefits, and joint custody of children.
Over the years, marriage equality is increasingly legalizing, especially in Europe, and Netherlands was the first to do so in 2001.
Around 30 countries including Brazil and Sweden recognize same-sex marriage. Taiwan is the first Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage in 2019, reported Kyodo News citing EMA Japan, a non-profit organization advocating sexual minority rights.
However, there still exist countries, especially in the Middle East, where discrimination against the LGBTQ community is deeply rooted and identifying as a queer or engaging in same-sex unions is a legal offence warranting death. (ANI)Get a daily dose of Brazil Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Brazil Sun.
More InformationAccra [Ghana], July 2 (ANI): Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ghana, members of the Indian diaspora in the country...
(250702) -- LA PAZ, July 2, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda is pictured during an interview with Xinhua...
Accra (Ghana) [India], July 2 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Ghana will be the first by an Indian Prime Minister...
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 1 (ANI): NMDC, India's largest iron ore producer, marked a significant milestone with the inauguration...
New Delhi [India], July 1 (ANI): The last two spots for the quarterfinals of the FIFA Club World Cup will be sealed by either Spanish...
Georgetown [Guyana], July 1 (ANI): As Guyana President Irfaan Ali commissioned Phase I of the Ogle to Eccles portion of the East Coast-East...
NEW YORK, New York - Global stock indices closed with divergent performances on Tuesday, as investors weighed corporate earnings, central...
TORONTO, Canada: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced late on June 29 that trade negotiations with the U.S. have recommenced...
Vancouver, Canada: A high-stakes legal showdown is brewing in the world of athleisure. Lululemon, the Canadian brand known for its...
LONDON, U.K.: British oil giant Shell has denied reports that it is in talks to acquire rival oil company BP. The Wall Street Journal...
NEW YORK, New York - U.S. stock markets closed firmly in positive territory to start the week Monday, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: On Friday, President Donald Trump announced that he was halting trade discussions with Canada due to its decision...