Despite Broad Public Support, Japan’s LDP Balks on Marriage Equality

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party will likely not move on marriage equality — even though a majority of its own supporters approve.

By Jay Allen

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (自民党; jimintou) is set to begin debate this week on a bill to foster “understanding” of LGBTQ people. However, it’s unlikely to include any provision that recognizes same-sex marriages. That puts it out of step with the Japanese public — and even with its own supporters

The debate over “understanding”

At issue is the Bill to Advance Understanding of LGBT People, or the LGBT Understanding Bill (ＬＧＢＴ理解増進法案). The bill recognizes LGBTQ people and sets forth policies to promote greater social understanding at the federal, provincial, and local government level of the issues they face.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio had originally pushed for this bill last year. It fell by the wayside due to opposition from members of his own party.

However, in February, Kishida’s press secretary made undeniably discriminatory comments about LGBTQ people. The backlash was so intense that Kishida had no choice but to fire him. He…