Tokyo Plans Recognition of Same-Sex Unions, But Not Marriage Equality
legal recognition to same-sex unions, but they will not be the same as marriages.Officials with Tokyo’s metropolitan government have proposed offering a certificate to same-sex couples, which would give them access to joint apartment rentals, hospital visitations, and other privileges that are often limited to married couples, the Associated Press reports.
The plan is subject to approval by city legislators.If it is approved, the city would begin accepting applications in October and start issuing the certificates in November, according to Agence France-Presse.Japan’s government does not recognize same-sex marriages.
About 200 municipalities within the nation have offered legal recognition to same-sex relationships, although not on an equal footing with marriage.
If Tokyo’s proposal passes, it would be the largest city with some form of recognition.“We collected opinions from the public for the past two months, and we heard opinions [from same-sex couples] who said they want to be recognized as partners,” a Tokyo government spokesman told AFP.
