Tokyo High Court Declares Japan's Same-Sex Marriage Ban Unconstitutional

This ruling marks the seventh legal victory for marriage equality advocates amid ongoing legal battles in Japan.

Japan's Tokyo High Court has ruled that the ban on same-sex marriage violates constitutional rights to equality and dignity.
This decision is part of a series of rulings, with seven courts now finding the ban unconstitutional or nearly so, against one district court's opposing decision.
Despite the legal victories, the rulings can still be appealed to Japan's Supreme Court, leaving the final outcome uncertain.
The ruling comes as Japan remains the only G7 nation not recognizing same-sex marriage, though public support for marriage equality is growing.
Local governments, including Tokyo, have issued partnership certificates to same-sex couples, but these do not provide the full legal benefits of marriage.