Mar. 17, 2021 – Japanese Court Rules Lack of Recognition of Gay Marriage Is Unconstitutional

A district court in the northern city of Sapporo issued the ruling in a civil suit against the Japanese government brought by three same-sex couples. The court ruling stated the lack of recognition was “discriminatory treatment without a rational basis.”

Gay marriage is not explicitly banned but the unions are not recognized by the government.

While the landmark decision is the first time a court has ruled on gay marriage in Japan, the law will only change if Parliament passes legislation, something they have previously been hesitant to do.