JAPAN’S refusal to recognise same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, a high court ruled today, marking another victory for the LGBT community and adding pressure on the reluctant government.

The Fukuoka High Court ruling in southern Japan is the eighth win out of nine lawsuits filed since 2019.

Presiding Judge Takeshi Okada stated that banning same-sex marriage violates fundamental rights, including the pursuit of happiness under article 13 of the Constitution, as well as guarantees of equality and individual dignity.