Japan: Court ruling on same-sex marriage ban is 'groundbreaking'

Ruling comes after lawsuit brought by three same-sex couples for psychological damage

In response to today’s district court ruling in Japan that the government’s failure to recognise same-sex marriage is unconstitutional - the country’s first-ever judicial ruling on marriage equality - Suki Chung, Regional Campaigner at Amnesty International, said:

“The court’s decision is a groundbreaking step for same-sex couples in their pursuit of equal rights.

“The ruling can set an important precedent for similar cases filed by other same-sex couples in the country.

“Japan has been lagging behind in fulfilling its obligations to respect and protect the human rights of LGBTI people. A bill on promoting ‘understanding’ of LGBTI people has dragged on for years but is yet to become law.

“The government must stop delaying and undertake a thorough review of all related laws, policies and practices to end the discrimination same-sex couples face in all walks of life.”