Japan's High Court Upholds Ban on Same-Sex Marriage

A Japanese court has upheld the constitutionality of banning same-sex marriage. This comes amidst increasing public support for marriage equality. Plaintiffs argue that civil laws barring same-sex marriage infringe upon constitutional rights. The decision could lead to a Supreme Court ruling next year.

Japan's legal system took a decisive stand on Friday, upholding the constitutionality of its same-sex marriage ban. The Tokyo High Court ruled that marriage under the current law is primarily between men and women, overturning a lower court's decision in favor of same-sex unions.

Judge Ayumi Higashi presided over the case, determining that the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage is valid under a legal definition focused on traditional family dynamics. The court also rejected requests for damages by eight plaintiffs seeking equal marital rights, stating the exclusion as rational.

The ramifications are significant for Japan, the only G7 nation without legal same-sex marriage. The plaintiffs, along with many activists, express disappointment yet remain resolute to push for change as societal attitudes shift, looking to the Supreme Court for a possible final judgment next year.

(With inputs from agencies.)