Japan’s same-sex partnership systems and LGBTQ community’s true needs

Tokyo has announced the introduction of a same-sex partnership system within the fiscal year. This is a huge step forward to realizing gender diversity. However, it is not legally binding in Japan, meaning that it depends on the individual whether they accept same-sex couples in the same way as opposite-sex couples. Lately, more companies and organizations have accelerated their movement toward protecting same-sex marriage rights and officially recognizing it in Japan.

Japan’s current system for sexual minorities doesn’t guarantee their full rights

In current circumstances, each municipality operates a partnership system by issuing certification approving a partnership equivalent to marriage for same-sex couples. 103 of 1,753 municipalities have introduced the system, which despite the small number in fact includes 45% of the total population.

This certification makes it easier for same-sex couples to prove their relationships to others, which enables them to access more relationship-based privileges and rights in daily life. However, this system doesn’t guarantee any legal rights as a spouse. For example, it is not possible to become the inheritor of the partner’s estate or to receive a spouse deduction.

Denial of same-sex marriage reveals a lack of understanding of the LGBTQ community’s true needs

Many people who are against same-sex marriage in Japan insist that it could lead to declining childbirth. The underlying problem is a lack of understanding of the current situation and the LGBTQ community’s true needs. In this society that doesn’t accept sexual minorities, only a few people understand that the LGBTQ community is seeking equivalent rights rather than special treatments.

In March of 2021, the Sapporo District Court ruled that the government’s failure to recognize same-sex marriage is unconstitutional in the country’s first judicial ruling on marriage equality. This inspired more businesses and organizations to take action towards solving this issue.

Major companies are taking initiatives towards realizing same-sex marriage

Three Japanese non-profit organizations, Marriage for All Japan (MFAJ), Lawyers for LGBTQ & Allies Network (LLAN) and NIJIIRO Diversity, launched a campaign called “Business for Marriage Equality” to raise awareness of companies that support marriage equality. The number of supporting companies has increased up to 211 in February from 46 in November of 2020, which includes some leading companies such as Panasonic, Honda and Shiseido.

Some supporting companies also have recognized same-sex partnerships as equivalent to marriage. They have changed their benefits systems to cover them all. For instance, a major cosmetic company, POLA, has entitled same-sex couples to receive employee benefits that used to cover only married couples, such as parental leave, childcare leave and accompanying family members on overseas transfers. POLA also has set up opportunities to deepen employees’ understandings. In the past few years, many Japanese firms also have extended benefits to same-sex unions like POLA, such as Daiwa House, KDDI and Sony.

The LGBTQ partnership system plays an important role, but it is not the goal of gender equality

Expanding the partnership system plays an important role to promote understanding. However, we should be aware that the partnership system is not a goal for achieving a diverse society. Introducing it across Tokyo can inspire more people to take action towards diversity and inclusion, which could ultimately change the governments’ stance on same-sex marriage.