Tokyo court ruling upholds ban on same-sex marriage but leaves door open for legislative change

A district court in Tokyo has ruled that a ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional. But the decision, handed down on November 30, 2022, added that the lack of legal protection for same-sex families violates their human rights. Plaintiffs in the case said the ruling signifies “progress”, saying they could pave the way for future legislative changes. Two more similar lawsuits are pending in Japan.