Japanese lawmakers back ‘understanding of sexual minorities’ law

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - Japanese lawmakers on Tuesday passed a bill to promote better understanding of what the measure calls “sexual minorities,” or LGBT individuals.

The bill is expected to be passed by the upper house of parliament, the Diet, by this Friday before becoming law next week, Tokyo-based Kyodo News reported.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party initially saw opposition to the bill from inside the party but later got support from some opposition parties whose proposals were incorporated into the bill.

It was introduced in parliament on May 18 amid pressure on Japan from both inside and outside to pass a law “to foster a better understanding of sexual minorities.”

“The bill is expected to clear the House of Councilors, or upper house, as early as Friday,” Japanese lawmakers said.

Last month a Japanese court ruled that not recognizing same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.

Japan does not have laws related to LGBT individuals or same-sex marriage, but its courts are currently hearing at least five cases related to the issue.