Tokyo Ward Becomes First Place in Japan To Recognize Same-Sex Couples

While it’s not full-on marriage equality, the Shibuya disctrict in Tokyo, Japan is taking significant steps to recognize the rights of same-sex couples. According to CNN:

The government of Shibuya ward, one of the capital’s most famous shopping and trendy entertainment districts, passed ordinance on Wednesday paving the way for “partnership certificates” for same-sex couples, allowing them some of the rights of married heterosexual couples.

Same-sex partners who are registered with the district’s ward office will be able to hold visitation rights in hospitals and co-sign tenancy agreements.

Other advantages that heterosexual married couples enjoy, such as joint filing of taxes, are controlled by the federal government and are outside the remit of individual municipalities.

The certificates, which are not legally binding, won’t be issued until later in the summer but proponents of marriage equality say Shibuya’s actions are a step in the right direction.”It is not a marriage license and advantages will be limited but still better than nothing,” Gon Matsunaka, a gay rights activist, told CNN. “What is important for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community in Shibuya is the ruling will make us visible in society. It could be a strong driver for Shibuya citizens to learn and know what kind of problems LGBT people are facing,” Matsunaka said. For an incredibly conservative country like Japan, Shibuya’s steps are considered to be progressive and a reason to celebrate for Tokyo’s LGBT community. Neighboring ward Setagaya has indicated it would look into following Shibuya’s lead, according to CNN. A recent poll found that as high as 70% of Japanese young adults in their 20’s and 30’s support marriage equality.

On such momentous progress we say, “Omedetōgozaimasu!” to our friends in Japan and you too can say “Congratulations!’ with  one of our terrific cards.