Opinion on Marriage between Parties of the Same Sex
July 18, 2019
Japan Federation of Bar Associations
The Japan Federation of Bar Associations (the “JFBA”) compiled its “Opinion on Marriage between Parties of the Same Sex” dated July 18, 2019, and submitted it to the Minister of Justice, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President of the House of Councilors on July 24, 2019.
Summary of Opinion
In our country, marriage between parties of the same sex (same-sex marriage) is not recognized through legislation. Thus, those who are sexually attracted to people of the same sex are suffering disadvantages due to them and their partners not being recognized as each other’s spouses.
This situation violates the freedom of marriage of people who are sexually attracted to people of the same sex as well as the equality under the law and should be recognized as a serious human rights violation in light of Articles 13 and 14 of the Constitution.
Therefore, the government should recognize same-sex marriage and revise the legislation related thereto immediately.
