LGBTQ+ rights in Japan have long been dismissed by politicians, however they are facing new pressure from Western countries to formally recognize and protect these rights. 15 diplomatic missions in Japan made a video, which featured many top ambassadors, urging the country’s politicians to pass legislation granting equal rights. So far, the Japanese government has refrained from commenting. This issue is brought to the forefront purposefully right before Japan hosts the G-7 summit in Hiroshima. Between the G-7 countries, Japan is notably lagging in terms of women’s and LGBTQ+ issues.
This issue has been laying beneath the surface for many years but was brought to the limelight when Prime Minister Kishida’s, now former, close aide made headlines for his discriminatory and offensive remarks about the LGBTQ+ community. Even though he was promptly fired, Kishida himself made noncommittal comments that expressed his concern that same-sex marriage would alter the concept of family and ultimately Japanese values and society.
Japan’s ruling leaders are not known for their diversity and are largely made up of older men who cherish “traditional” values and have thus far resisted passing basic legislation that explicitly forbids discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. These views are opposed to the 72% of voters in Japan who are in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage according to the Asahi Shimbun.
Now with the backing these 15 missions, LGBTQ+ groups are demanding that the government pass legislation for anti-discrimination, same-sex marriage, and equal protection of freedoms ahead of the G-7 summit. The summit will take place in a few days, later this week, so we have yet to see what will happen.
Lani
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