Tokyo Court Rules Japan's Same-Sex Marriage Ban Constitutional, Sparking Outrage

Sun Nov 30 2025 20:37:22 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a disappointing decision for LGBTQ advocates, the Tokyo District Court has ruled against the legalization of same-sex marriage, declaring the current ban constitutional. This ruling contrasts with recent court findings across Japan that had expressed support for marriage equality.

A Tokyo court has upheld Japan's ban on same-sex marriage as constitutional, disappointing plaintiffs and LGBTQ advocates. Despite five recent rulings from other high courts opposing the ban, this verdict stands as an exception. The case is expected to escalate to the Supreme Court as activists continue to push for marriage equality.

A Japanese court has ruled the country's ban on same-sex marriage as constitutional - bucking a trend set by courts around the country that had raised hopes for marriage equality in Japan.

The ruling was met with disappointment from plaintiffs and their legal team who had gathered outside the Tokyo courthouse.

Japan is the only G7 country that does not fully recognise same-sex couples or offer them clear legal protection. But it's not an outlier in Asia, where only Taiwan, Thailand and Nepal offer same-sex marriages.

Ayumi Higashi, the judge who delivered the verdict, stated that laws on same-sex marriage should first be discussed in parliament.

Outside the Tokyo courthouse, plaintiffs held up signs that read 'unjust verdict'. Shino Kawachi, one of the plaintiffs, expressed her confusion over the ruling, questioning whether justice was served.

Her partner, Hiromi Hatogai, expressed outrage and uncertainty about the judicial system's support for their rights but vowed to continue fighting.

Amnesty International called the ruling a 'damaging step backwards', urging the government to take action towards legalising same-sex marriage for equal rights.

The ruling is the last among six high court decisions on same-sex marriage lawsuits filed across the country since 2019. While five previous rulings found the ban unconstitutional, they rejected the plaintiffs' compensation claims. This Tokyo ruling is seen as a setback for advocates pushing for marriage equality in Japan. The cases will now be escalated to the Supreme Court.

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