Breakthrough in Japan! A city in Japan has made history by granting a same-sex couple a residence certificate, recognizing their relationship as a marriage. Read the incredible story of love and progress.
Story of Gay couple Keita Matsuura and Yutaro Fujiyama
In a nation where same-sex marriage is still illegal, a city in southwest Japan has granted a homosexual couple a residence certificate. The certificate acknowledges their relationship as partners in an existing marriage. This is an extraordinary step. After the couple’s application on May 2, Omura city in Nagasaki Prefecture issued this certificate. It named Keita Matsuura, 38, as the head of the home and Yutaro Fujiyama, 39, an unregistered spouse.
The couple’s decision, announced at a news conference on Tuesday, is expected to have impacts on efforts to legalize same-sex marriage.
Background of LGBTQ in Japan
Everyone in Japan registers their address with the local government. 38-year-old Keita Matsuura was no different. In the past, despite living with his partner Yutaro Fujiyama, they were once registered separately. Then the couple moved to the southern part of Nagasaki. After shifting there, they informed Omura’s town officials that they wished to be registered as a married couple. After some discussion, the city decided to register Fujiyama as Matsuura’s spouse this month rather than as his relative, as per sources.
LGBTQ-friendly regulations are becoming more and more popular in Japan, especially among younger voters.
All-sex communities are very much interested in this step. However, the conservative party in power has been hesitant to forward reforms.
The only country in Asia to allow marriage equality was Taiwan. However, none other than Thailand took a step toward accepting same-sex marriage this year.
History of same-sex couples
Various issues have been highlighted in the recent few years. Few of them started over the famous cities in Japan. Three people went to claim their rights to LGBT in the Osaka district court. The Osaka District Court denied the claims of same-sex couples that Japan’s prohibition on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional in June 2022.
The government of Tokyo made a separate announcement and began issuing special certificates for gay couples in November 2022.
The Japanese government passed a law in June 2023 to “promote understanding” of LGBTQ individuals. Nevertheless, these documents do not fully reflect many legal advantages of marriage, such as direct inheritance. Right groups have harshly criticized the measure for failing to protect LGBTQ rights from discrimination. but now, the opportunities aren’t so bleak! Constitutionally, we may also get passes for legalising LGBTQ marriage for future generations in Japan.
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