She did not give details of the proposal that will recognize same-sex relationships without giving them full legal status. Opinion surveys show the public is largely in favor of equal marriage rights, but the long-ruling and conservative Liberal Democratic Party has shown little enthusiasm for change. Japan is the only Group of Seven country not to recognize same-sex marriage.
The patchy coverage across the country is also unfair, he added. While the change in the capital may step up pressure on the national government to introduce a unified system, the lack of full marriage equality is seen by several international corporations as hampering efforts to attract talent to Japan. Same-sex partners from overseas can face difficulty in obtaining visas and renting accommodation.
More courts are expected to reach verdicts on the issue next year, including one in the capital, Yanagisawa said. Chile became the latest country to introduce same-sex marriage rights this week, adding to 30 governments that had already done so, according to Human Rights Campaign. Asia is lagging, with Taiwan being the only place to recognize equal marriage.
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