Tokyo has started implementing a partnership certificate scheme for same-sex couples, allowing them to be treated for the first time as married couples for certain public services, but still fall short of marriage equality.
LGBTQ partners now treated as recognised couples
In a nation lacking marriage equality for same-sex couples, Tokyo has started giving partnership certificates to same-sex couples who work and live in the capital, on Tuesday. The certificates allow LGBTQ partners to be recognized as married couples for a variety of public services. This includes healthcare, housing and welfare. But, the scheme doesn’t provide other rights like adoption, spousal visas and inheritance.
Some people believe that this could be the first step in Japan as a whole nation, accepting equality for the LGBTQ community. It is now the only developed nation in the G7 group to not recognise same-sex unions. However, some of the recent surveys say that most of the Japanese population is in favour of gay marriages.
NHK survey & Otuka ruling
NHK, public broadcaster in Japan, conducted a survey in 2021 which says that 57% of respondents were in favour of same-sex marriage, while 37% opposed same-sex marriage.
Despite of this popular support, an Osaka district court ruled and gave judgement earlier this year that the current prohibition on same-sex unions was constitutional. Also further, in October, a local politician Noboru Watanabe of the dominant Liberal Democratic Party referred to same-sex relationships as “disgusting.” His remarks drew harsh criticism.
However, there are steps being taken to promote equality. According to the Asahi Sinbun news site, the scheme that rolled out in the Tokyo metropolitan area was first started in one of its districts back in 2015 and has expanded since then to nine more wards and six cities in the western part of the metropolitan area. The new metropolitan-wide proposal will be applicable to the capital’s 14 million residents and nearby cities.
Since Tokyo’s Shibuya district introduced the system back in 2015, around 200 smaller local administrations in Japan have already taken steps to recognise same-sex partnerships.
Statements of Miki and Katie
Even though the status does not give the same legal rights as marriage, it is still a welcome development for couples like Miki and Katie who previously lacked official documentation of their relationship.
When interviewed by the media at her home in Tokyo, where pictures of Miki, 36, and her American lover Katie, 31, are displayed on the fridge, Miki said, “My biggest concern has been that we would be treated as strangers by the administration in case there’s an emergency.”
Miki and Katie, who wished to be identified only by their first names, used to put a letter containing each other’s contact details inside their wallets, before the introduction of partnership certificate scheme. Miki added, “We felt that formal documents certified by the local government would be more effective as these were insufficient.”
More on the scheme, opinion of other LGBTQ couples
At least 137 couples have applied, and it is open to anybody over 18 who resides or works, in Tokyo. It is hoped that the certificates, which protect commuters as well as residents, will assist in the fight against anti-LGBTQ discrimination in Japan.
Campaigner Soyoka Yamamoto told reporters, “I genuinely hope we can work together to create a society where the rights of sexual minorities is respected and is considered equal.” On Tuesday morning, Yamamoto and her partner Yoriko, who have been living together for more than ten years, received their certificate. Yoriko described the move as a “great milestone.”
Hundreds of people gathered to take pictures and celebrate in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building, which was illuminated in rainbow colors, after sunset. Masato, 39, told reporters that he felt “like Tokyo is supporting us,” and Chris, his boyfriend, predicted a “good future” for the couple.
LGBTQ rights activists have praised the reform, but many emphasize that it is only the beginning. “Same-sex marriages are still not legal in the country. It should be made legal,” said Setsuko Yuragi.
Views of the Government, Media and Society
Japan, which is governed by a conservative government that upholds traditional family values, has just started to accept sexual diversity. Today, more companies are publicly endorsing same-sex marriages, and homosexual characters in TV series with greater openness.
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has been hinting about the possibility of legislative changes that will recognise and accept same-sex relationships on a national level.
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