Tokyo will soon recognise same-sex partnerships, making it the largest Japanese city to do so.
The reforms will come into effect from April 2022, though it remains unclear if it will give gay couples the same rights that married couples get in the country.
The city’s governor, Yuriko Koike, explained that Tokyo would implement a system that would recognise gay partnerships as equal to marriage after the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly unanimously agreed that it was time for recognition.
On 7 December, Koike said: “In response to the wishes of Tokyo residents and those concerned by this issue, we will draft a basic principle to recognise same-sex partnerships this fiscal year.”
Pressure on Japan’s national government has been growing in recent years as it continues to be the only G7 nation to not legally recognise same-sex marriage.
Despite this, more than 100 local authorities in the country do recognise certain rights for gay couples, such as joint names on rental contracts.
A survey by public broadcaster NHK showed 57% of people approved of gay marriage being legalised.
Although more details are yet to be announced, LGBTQ+ campaigners in the region have criticised the move for not giving “the same legal effect as marriage.”
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