{"id":932,"date":"2024-12-21T11:19:05","date_gmt":"2024-12-21T02:19:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.japan-workers.com\/?p=932"},"modified":"2024-12-21T11:19:05","modified_gmt":"2024-12-21T02:19:05","slug":"countries-where-same-sex-marriage-is-legal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.japan-workers.com\/?p=932","title":{"rendered":"Countries where same-sex marriage is legal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

An article on KKT Kumamoto Prefectural Television dated December 13, 2024<\/a> discusses the concerns of a male couple who entered into a same-sex marriage in Taiwan about living in Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The number of countries around the world that recognize same-sex marriage has been steadily increasing in recent years, marking an important step toward achieving social equality. The legalization of same-sex marriage is spreading, especially in developed countries, as a way to guarantee LGBTQ+ rights and contribute to the elimination of discrimination. Below, we will introduce the main countries that have legalized same-sex marriage and the background behind it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.Netherlands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001. The Netherlands is a very progressive country regarding LGBTQ+ rights and has a long history of legalizing same-sex marriage. In 1998, civil solidarity contracts (same-sex partnerships) for same-sex couples were recognized, and after subsequent social debate, same-sex marriage was legalized in 2001. This legal reform marked an important turning point in accepting social diversity, and the Netherlands demonstrated its tolerance for LGBTQ+ to the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.Belgium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Belgium legalized same-sex marriage in 2003, following the example of the Netherlands. Belgium has also taken proactive steps to ensure LGBTQ+ rights and has strengthened legal protections for same-sex couples. The legalization of same-sex marriage was the result of numerous civil movements and political support within the country. The legalization of same-sex marriage in Belgium marked an important step towards promoting social tolerance and equality, and has since influenced other countries in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.Canada<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Canada legalized same-sex marriage in 2005. Canada is characterized by a highly multicultural society, and legal protections for LGBTQ+ rights are well established. The legalization of same-sex marriage in Canada was triggered by a Supreme Court ruling, and was realized through public and political support. Canada not only recognizes same-sex marriage, but also guarantees various social security and legal rights to same-sex couples. Canada is widely recognized as one of the countries in the world that strongly protects LGBTQ+ rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.United States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the United States, the Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that same-sex marriage is legal in all states. Prior to this, same-sex marriage was legal in some states, including California and Massachusetts, but it took time for it to be legalized nationwide. However, with the 2015 ruling, same-sex marriage was recognized across the United States, and legal rights were guaranteed to same-sex couples. This ruling was a major victory for the LGBTQ+ movement in the United States and attracted attention around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5.France<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Same-sex marriage was legalized in France in 2013. France is a country with a long history, and in a society based on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, the debate over legalizing same-sex marriage became an important political issue. As social attitudes changed, the French government came to recognize same-sex marriage, and also granted same-sex couples the right to adopt children. This decision received strong support within France and also had an impact on the entire EU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6.Germany<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Same-sex marriage was legalized in Germany in 2017. Prior to that, same-sex couples were granted a civil partnership contract (“Eingetragene Lebenspartnerschaft”), but were not granted legal rights in the form of marriage. However, calls for legalization of same-sex marriage grew, and after a parliamentary debate, a decision was finally made to legalize same-sex marriage. The passage of this law marked an important step towards improving LGBTQ+ rights in German society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7.South Africa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

South Africa was the first country on the African continent to legalize same-sex marriage. The law legalizing same-sex marriage was passed in 2006, and South Africa is internationally recognized as a very LGBTQ+ positive country. This decision symbolized South Africa’s respect for human rights and inspired other countries on the African continent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8.New Zealand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

New Zealand legalized same-sex marriage in 2013. New Zealand is a country with a highly advanced social security system and has various legal procedures in place to protect LGBTQ+ rights. There is a growing understanding of homosexuals and a strong grassroots movement to legalize same-sex marriage. This has positioned New Zealand as one of the leading countries in the Asia-Pacific region that respects LGBTQ+ rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9.Switzerland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Switzerland legalized same-sex marriage in 2022. Although legal recognition of same-sex couples occurred relatively early in Switzerland, it took some time for same-sex marriage to be legalized. However, following a referendum held in 2021 in which the legalization of same-sex marriage was approved by a majority, the law came into effect in 2022. This move marks the progress of understanding and support for LGBTQ+ in Swiss society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10.Costa Rica<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Costa Rica legalized same-sex marriage in 2020. While many regions in Latin America are slow to legalize same-sex marriage, Costa Rica has made advanced legal arrangements and become a country that guarantees LGBTQ+ rights. This legalization has attracted a great deal of attention both at home and abroad, and is expected to have an impact on other Latin American countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Countries that have legalized same-sex marriage are playing an important role in protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community as countries that respect social equality and human rights. There have been many years of social and political debate and movements behind each country’s recognition of same-sex marriage. Legalizing same-sex marriage is not just about recognizing a form of marriage, but is also an important step towards improving the overall rights of LGBTQ+ people, and this trend is likely to continue to expand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How same-sex couples can live in Japan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Under the current Japanese residence system, when two people of foreign nationality are married and are of the same sex, they can reside in Japan on a “Designated Activities”. (Residence status for same-sex partners<\/a>, Tokyo Bar Association)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Japan Immigration News<\/h2>\n\n\n