Japan after it ruled that not allowing same-sex couples to wed is unconstitutional.Japan is the only G7 nation not to fully recognise same-sex partnerships, while its constitution defines marriage as being based on “the mutual consent of both sexes”.The Sapporo district court rejected demands for damages filed by three same-sex couples, but its decision – the first of its kind – on the constitutionality of gay marriage is being seen as a significant symbolic victory that could lead to a change in the law.“I’m really happy.
Until the ruling was announced, we didn’t know this was what we’d get and I’m just overjoyed,” said Gon Matsunaka, the director of activist group Marriage for All Japan and a representative at Pride House Tokyo, adding.