Thirteen same-sex couples have filed a lawsuit in Japan arguing that the country’s rejection of same-sex marriage violates their constitutional rights. It’s the first such lawsuit in the country, Japan Times reports.
While no laws on the books technically prohibit same-sex marriage, Japan’s government has interpreted the constitution’s marriage provisions to only permit marriage between heterosexual couples. But that reading ignores other parts of the constitution that guarantee equality, lawyers for the couples say.
“The constitution gives you the right to pursue happiness and equality before the law,” said Yoshie Yokoyama, one of the group’s lawyers, according to the South China Morning Post. “Not recognising same-sex marriage violates this.”
Read this story now for free
To continue reading, sign up for our newsletter and get unlimited access to WABE.org
You can select your preferences for news and local content. We will never share your email address. Learn how your newsletter sign-up will support WABE and Public Media
