Tokyo same-sex marriage ruling ‘a step forward’, say campaigners

Court rules same-sex marriage ban is constitutional but says lack of legal protection is human rights violation

A Tokyo court has ruled that a ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional but said the lack of legal protection for same-sex couples violated their human rights, which plaintiffs welcomed as a step toward aligning Japan with other G7 nations.

Japan is the only G7 nation that does not allow same-sex marriage and its constitution defines marriage as based on the mutual consent of both sexes". The ruling party of the prime minister, Fumio Kishida, has disclosed no plans yet to review the matter or propose legislation, though several senior members support same-sex marriage.