Japan is taking a step towards inclusivity for Tokyo’s LGBTQIA+ community as the Tokyo government is set to issue same-sex partnership certificates.
In November, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will begin issuing partnership certificates to same-sex couples. It is a huge step forward for same-sex couples in a country where being openly gay is still widely frowned upon.
Although there has been a slow and gradual increase in support for sexual diversity in Japan, the LGBTQIA+ community in the country still has no constitutional protections. One of the Asian nations that do not recognize same-sex unions is Japan, and LGBTQIA+ persons frequently experience discrimination at work, at school, and at home, leading many of them to hide their sexuality.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government revealed a draft plan to begin accepting registrations from same-sex couples seeking certificates of their unions starting in October. Same-sex couples are frequently denied access to apartment rentals, hospital visits, and other services and benefits offered to married couples. So, in some way, possessing this certificate will also grant them some privileges that heterosexual couples have. Starting in mid-October, same-sex couples may apply for a certificate online as proof of their relationship status, provided that either partner lives, works, or studies in Tokyo.
However, the authorities emphasized that the certificate was different from a marriage certificate. The partnership certificate aims to increase awareness of sexual diversity among Tokyo residents and lessen the burdens that sexual minorities face daily to improve their quality of life. In short, Japan is taking this step to recognize same-sex relationships, but it has yet to legalize gay marriage in the country.
Tokyo isn’t actually the first local government in Japan to implement a same-sex certificate system. Osaka, a few other prefectures, and over 100 municipalities already have it. However, with Tokyo being the capital of Japan, it is the largest, making up more than a tenth of Japan’s population of 125 million.
The LGBTQIA+ community has always been invisible in Japan, and legally binding civil unions remain a distant dream. A movement like this one is a step closer to the equality the Japanese LGBTQIA+ Community deserves.
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