A Tokyo appellate court just ruled that Japan's marriage laws don't need to cover same-sex couples, and the decision creates a massive split with other regional courts that went the opposite way. Presiding Judge Yumi Toa said legislators should hash this out instead of courts forcing the issue, and she rejected claims that blocking gay marriage violates constitutional equality protections.
Five other high courts already found parts of the marriage framework unconstitutional between 2021 and 2024, saying Article 14 bans discrimination based on sexual orientation. Partnership certificates exist in some cities, but they don't grant real marriage benefits like inheritance rights or parental recognition. The Supreme Court will probably take this up next to settle whether the Constitution actually requires marriage equality nationwide.
Five other high courts already found parts of the marriage framework unconstitutional between 2021 and 2024, saying Article 14 bans discrimination based on sexual orientation. Partnership certificates exist in some cities, but they don't grant real marriage benefits like inheritance rights or parental recognition. The Supreme Court will probably take this up next to settle whether the Constitution actually requires marriage equality nationwide.
