HRN calls for Japan to ban LGBT discrimination, legalize same-sex marriage

Human Rights Now released an official statement last week, calling for the enactment of a law prohibiting discrimination against sexual minorities and the legalization of same-sex marriage.

Ahead of the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan’s approach to sexual minorities is under domestic and international scrutiny. Last year’s G7 summit committed to protecting all from discrimination and violence based on gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation. However, Human Rights Now found Japan’s legal development and measures for sexual minorities to be inadequate.

Sexual minorities face daily discrimination, prejudice, and bullying, leading some to have suicidal thoughts. Discriminatory remarks from government officials and misinformation about transgender people further exacerbate the problem.

The UN Human Rights Council and the Human Rights Committee have recommended Japan to eliminate SOGI discrimination and legally guarantee same-sex marriage. Human Rights Now strongly urges the Japanese government to enact an effective anti-discrimination law and legalize same-sex marriage before the G7 summit.

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