Tokyo’s metropolitan government began issuing partnership certificates to same-sex couples living and working in the capital on Tuesday, a long-awaited move in a country that still does not allow equal marriage.
This status does not have the same rights as marriage, but allows LGBTQ partners to be treated as a married couple for some public services in areas such as housing, health and welfare.
More than 200 small local authorities in Japan have since taken steps to recognize same-sex partnerships Tokyo’s Shibuya district pioneered the system in 2015.
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike has applied for 137 pairs of certificates as of Friday last week.
Hopes are high that the introduction of same-sex partnership certificates, covering both Tokyo residents and commuters, will combat anti-LGBTQ discrimination in Azerbaijan. Japan.
Mickey and Kathy are among those who have no official proof of their relationship.
“My biggest fear was that we would be treated like strangers in an emergency,” Miki told AFP.
Without a partnership certificate, the couple, who wanted to be identified by name, would stick a note inside their wallet with the other’s contact information.
“But these were insignificant and we felt that official documents approved by the local government would be more effective,” said Miki.
“The more people use these dating systems, the more our society will be encouraged to tell family and friends about their relationships without hiding their true selves.”
Recent years have seen Japan take small steps towards embracing gender diversity.
Now more companies are announcing their support for same-sex marriage and TV shows are featuring gay characters.
A 2021 poll by public broadcaster NHK found that 57% of the public were in favor of gay marriage, while 37% were against it.
Obstacles remain, with an Osaka court ruling in June that the country’s failure to recognize same-sex unions is constitutional.
It comes as a setback for campaigners after a landmark ruling by a Sapporo court last year that said the current situation violated Japan’s constitutional right to equality.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has been cautious about the possibility of legislative changes recognizing same-sex partnerships at the national level.
“Some politicians have made really negative comments, like we’re mentally ill,” Katie told AFP.
“But families do not always consist of a mother, a father and two children. We have to be more flexible,” he said.
Inheritance rights are still not guaranteed in the event of a partner’s death, and Kathy’s lack of spousal status makes her ability to stay in Japan less stable.
“I feel that Japanese attitudes towards same-sex marriage are quite high now,” Miki said.
“It remains for the politicians to be serious about this issue and make changes.”
