Tokyo Issues Same-Sex Partnership Certificates

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Facts

  • On Tuesday, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government began issuing certificates recognizing the partnerships of same-sex couples. This makes Tokyo the largest municipality to recognize partnerships in a country where same-sex marriage hasn't been legalized.
  • The certificates don't provide equal rights as with a heterosexual marriage — and aren't legally binding — but they do allow same-sex couples to receive recognition and be treated as married couples for some services such as public housing, health, and insurance benefits.
  • The Tokyo Partnership Oath System will issue the certificates. The benefits don't cover inheritance, custody or residence rights, tax deductions, or in-law benefits.
  • The Tokyo government said in a statement the purpose of the new system is "to promote understanding among Tokyo residents about sexual diversity and to reduce inconveniences in daily lives surrounding sexual minorities in order to create more pleasant living conditions for them."
  • Same-sex couples are often banned from basic services such as jointly renting an apartment in Japan. One resident recounted a story of her partner having a medical emergency at home — when she called for an ambulance she was told to obtain permission from her partner's parents for treatment.
  • Japan is currently the only G7 country that doesn't recognize same-sex unions. In a 2021 poll, 57% of the public was in favor of the unions, with only 37% against them. Despite public support, a district court in Osaka ruled that the existing ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional.

Sources: ABC, La Prensa Latina, NBC, and BBC News.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by La Prensa Latina. While this is a win, there's much more work to be done for LGBTQ+ communities in Japan. Japan needs to step up and provide protections just as the other members of the G7 do. The overall lack of recognition reverberates through the country and leads to a lack of inclusivity.
  • Narrative B, as provided by NPR. Japan is overall moving in the correct direction, even though it's at a slow and methodical pace. With nudging from the international community, including the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, legal rulings are — one by one — catching up to the will of the Japanese people when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights.