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Tokyo Court Upholds Same-Sex Marriage Ban, Sparks Outcry

12/2/2025

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Summary

Tokyo Court Rules Marriage

On November 28, 2025, the Tokyo High Court ruled that Japan's ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional.
It is the final ruling in a six-case series filed 2019–2021, after five courts deemed the ban unconstitutional.
Judge Ayumi Higashi of the Tokyo High Court said marriage should remain between a man and a woman.
Amnesty International condemned the ruling and urged Japan to legislate full marriage rights for same-sex couples.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. Supreme Court's 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision legalized same-sex marriage, prompting global discussions on marriage equality. In Japan, despite 70% public support by 2021, the government has resisted change. The Tokyo High Court's 2025 ruling upheld the same-sex marriage ban, diverging from international trends and potentially hindering Japan's progress on human rights and equality.

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Tokyo Court Rules Marriage

On November 28, 2025, the Tokyo High Court ruled that Japan's ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional.
It is the final ruling in a six-case series filed 2019–2021, after five courts deemed the ban unconstitutional.
Judge Ayumi Higashi of the Tokyo High Court said marriage should remain between a man and a woman.
Amnesty International condemned the ruling and urged Japan to legislate full marriage rights for same-sex couples.

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