Local LGBTQ groups have accused Mr. Kishida of backpedaling on commitments made in recent weeks – saying his words contradicted his actions.

He held a meeting with LGBTQ activists last month after he sacked his Executive Secretary Masayoshi Arai, who said he didn’t “even want to look at” sexual minorities. He appointed a special aide for LGBTQ issues and also said his party would consider a new bill.

The activists also said it was inaccurate for Mr. Kishida to state that same-sex marriage was “not unconstitutional” in Japan, when local courts have ruled otherwise in at least two precedent-setting decisions.

The public attitude towards same-sex marriage has changed, especially among younger voters, said the Marriage for Equality Japan (MFEJ) group. A recent poll shows two-thirds of voters support making same-sex marriage legal.

“I think this is one of the reason why the government is estranged from public opinion, as the most in the heart of the government are elderly men,” said MFEJ chairperson Makiko Terahara.

According to the organisation Marriage for Equality Japan (MFEJ), the general public’s perception of same-sex marriage has evolved, particularly among younger people. According to a recent study, two thirds of people are in favor of legalizing’s same-sex unions.

“I think this is one of the reason why the government is estranged from public opinion, as the most in the heart of the government are elderly men,” said MFEJ chairperson Makiko Terahara.

Many couples have contested the ban in court, with different degrees of success.

A Tokyo court upheld the prohibition on same-sex marriage in November 2022, but ruled that it was discriminatory to deny same-sex couples legal privileges. Rights activists praised the decision as a victory for highlighting the necessity of amending present legislation.

Also, the nation is under pressure from its G7 counterparts to recognize Gay rights as it gets ready to host the group’s upcoming meeting in May.

The situation for LGBTQ people has improved in Asia, but Taiwan is still the only country in the continent that permits same-sex unions.

Also Read

Japan: Same sex marriage is constitutional, yet activists are hopeful

On November 30, 2022, in Tokyo, Japan, plaintiffs, attorneys, and supporters marched...