Progress for LGBTQ in Japan: PRIDE VISION and court victories

The recent House of Representatives election has been on everyone’s minds in Japan this month. Marriage For All, a nonprofit that advocates for the freedom to marry, has been actively promoting LGBTQ rights and political engagement. We thought we’d share two key efforts marking their shining efforts this month!

AR tech for political engagement

“PRIDE VISION” is an AR camera tool, developed by the nonprofit Marriage For All Japan, that helps voters connect with candidates who support legalizing same-sex marriage in Japan. This tool allows voters to instantly identify supportive candidates by pointing their smartphone cameras at election posters.

The new version of PRIDE VISION, tailored for Japan’s 2024 House of Representatives election, became available on October 22, just days before the election on October 27. It covered over 70% of the country’s single-member districts, ensuring millions of voters can recognize candidates who support marriage equality by using visual markers.

Initially launched only in Tokyo, PRIDE VISION expanded rapidly thanks to volunteers who provided photos of election posters. This grassroots effort resulted in availability across 204 electoral districts within a few days.

PRIDE VISION relies on comprehensive surveys, like the “Marriage For All Diet Member Meter,” to track candidates’ stances on same-sex marriage. The tool’s rainbow AR effect visibly marks those in favor, making it easy for voters to align their choices with their values. The success of a beta version, introduced during a recent supplementary election, revealed the importance of accessibility of candidate information.

Lawsuit win for same-sex marriage

On Wednesday, a Japanese high court declared that the absence of legal recognition for same-sex marriage in the country is discriminatory and violates the constitutional right to equality. Marriage For All Japan views this as a significant victory and a step forward for progress in the country.

The ruling emphasized that any future system must be founded on the core principles of respect for the individual and equality under the law. Marriage bans violate the sections of the Constitution that state laws concerning marriage and family must be based on respect for the individual and equality, which are also recognized as fundamental human rights in international human rights law.

 

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Marriage For All Japan マリフォー(@marriageforalljapan)がシェアした投稿

Although several lawsuits for marriage equality are ongoing in Japan, Marriage For All Japan remains hopeful that the courts will reach similar conclusions. The representative of Marriage For All Japan has reinvigorated their support for the “Marriage Freedom for All” lawsuit, as well as advocates with members of parliament and undertakes activities aimed at raising public awareness, with the ultimate goal of achieving marriage equality as soon as possible.