Japan is under pressure, as it is the only ‘Group of Seven’ country that does not recognise and approve same-sex marriage.
The G7 is an intergovernmental political forum consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Despite the pressure, Japan has refused to concede to allow same-sex marriage in the country.
What The Prime Minister Said
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida believes the country’s ban on same-sex marriage is not discriminatory.
Only weeks ago, he apologised to the LGBTQ community over homophobic comments made by an aide who has since been sacked.
The increase in Japanese support for same-sex marriage has put the country’s leaders under pressure to support LGBTQ rights.
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“I don’t think disallowing same-sex couples to marry is unjust discrimination by the state,” said the PM when asked by an opposition lawmaker if the country’s existing law constituted discrimination.
The prime minister also reiterated his position that a ban on same-sex marriage is “not unconstitutional”.
How Groups Reacted
Local LGBTQ groups have accused Mr Kishida of backpedaling on commitments made in recent weeks.
According to them, his words are contradicting his actions.
He recently appointed a special aide for LGBTQ issues and also said his party would consider a new bill but his recent statements are contradicting that.
The activists have also said it was inaccurate for Mr Kishida to state that same-sex marriage was “not unconstitutional” in Japan, when local courts have ruled otherwise.
