Same sex Marriage

A high court in Tokyo has upheld Japan’s current ban on same sex marriage, ruling on Friday that the law does not breach the constitution. The decision runs counter to several earlier rulings across the country that had raised hopes among campaigners for full marriage rights.

The outcome is significant because Japan remains the only G7 nation without legal marriage for same sex couples. Supporters had expected Tokyo to come into line with other courts that found the ban incompatible with equality guarantees.

The panel of judges, led by Ayumi Higashi, said the matter should be considered in parliament first, …