Via Big Gay News:
A step in the right direction. The AFP reported Friday Japan is changing its rules regarding same-sex marriage. They're not legalizing it like Spain, South Africa, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Canada. But they are allowing officials to give Japanese citizens a document that indicates they are free to marry so that they can obtain same-sex marriages overseas.
From the AFP:
Under the change, the justice ministry has told local authorities to issue the key certificate -- which states a person is single and of legal age -- for those who want to enter same-sex marriages, the official told AFP.
Gay activists praised the move.
"This is one step forward," said Taiga Ishikawa, who leads a gay support group. "Gay Japanese have suffered a disadvantage... although they should be able to marry in some countries overseas."
Of course same-sex marriage will remain illegal in Japan, but this is a nice little glimmer of hope. Surely some will remember Japan has a history of same-sex union. The practice of Shudo in Samurai culture is a prime example. And male love was often practiced by kabuki actors and tea-house prostitutes.
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