Japan Courts Declare Same-Sex Marriage Ban Unconstitutional

The Nagoya District Court in Japan has ruled that not allowing same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, marking the second such ruling in the past two years. The decision is likely to increase pressure on the country to change its laws, as Japan is the only G7 nation with no legal protection for same-sex unions. While more than 300 Japanese municipalities allow same-sex couples to enter partnership agreements, these agreements are limited in scope and do not provide full legal protection. The conservative ruling Liberal Democratic Party opposes same-sex marriage, but businesses and other G7 members have been pressuring Japan to change its stance.