🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 149 (from laksa104)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa149.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://apnews.com/article/japan-same-sex-marriage-court-ruling-6005ae890fdc7fd176ce72b57a1f7d99\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://apnews.com/article/japan-same-sex-marriage-court-ruling-6005ae890fdc7fd176ce72b57a1f7d99\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-same-sex-marriage-court-ruling-6005ae890fdc7fd176ce72b57a1f7d99","crawl_time":1776448971,"first_indexed_time":1730270238,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,apnews!\/article\/japan-same-sex-marriage-court-ruling-6005ae890fdc7fd176ce72b57a1f7d99 s443","src_root_hash":"13170802201813479149","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"A second high court rules that Japan's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional | AP News","meta_descriptions":["A second high court has ruled that the Japanese government’s policy against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Updated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [timezone], [monthFull] [day], [year]\nUpdated 11:58 AM GMT, October 30, 2024\nTOKYO (AP) — A second\nJapanese\nhigh court ruled Wednesday that the government’s policy against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, the latest in a series of decisions upholding plaintiffs’\ndemands for marriage equality\n.\nThe Tokyo High Court called the ongoing ban “a groundless legal discrimination based on sexual orientation,” saying it violates the constitutional guarantee of right to equality, as well as individuals’ dignity and equality between sexes. It was a clearer statement than the 2022 lower court decision that described the situation as “an unconstitutional state.”\nThe\nSapporo High Court ruling in March\nsaid not allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same benefits as straight couples violates their fundamental right to equality and freedom of marriage. Wednesday’s ruling is the seventh overall that found the ongoing ban to be unconstitutional or nearly so, against only one district court decision that found it constitutional. The rulings can still be appealed to the Supreme Court.\nIn Wednesday’s ruling, Presiding Judge Sonoe Taniguchi also wrote that the purpose of marriage is not only to produce offspring but also to ensure stable legal status for the partners, and that there is no rational reason to justify excluding same-sex couples. She said there is a shared international consensus against discriminating based on sexual orientation.\n5 MIN READ\n5 MIN READ\n4 MIN READ\nChief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Wednesday’s ruling has not been finalized and that his government will continue to watch other pending court cases.\nStill, the winning streak has raised hopes among the\nLGBTQ+\ncommunity.\nPlaintiffs cheered outside of the court Wednesday, while their supporters held banners carrying messages such as “Further advance toward marriage equality!” and “No more waiting for legal revision!”\nMakiko Terahara, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, welcomed the ruling, calling it historic. She and her fellow lawyers in a statement demanded the government immediately take steps “to open the door for marriage equality.”\n“I felt grateful to be alive when I heard the word ‘unconstitutional’ from the judge,” said Yoko Ogawa, a plaintiff in her 60s. She said she worries about a lack of legal protection for her and her partner as they age, and that “I hope to see progress toward legalization as soon as possible.”\nTheir main obstacle, Japan’s conservative Liberal Democratic Party’s ruling coalition,\nlost a parliamentary majority\nin Sunday’s election and is\nlikely to have to compromise\non more liberal policies pushed by the opposition parties such as marriage equality, which is largely supported by the general public.\nJapan is the\nonly member of the Group of Seven industrialized countries\nthat does not recognize same-sex marriage or provide any other form of legally binding protection for LGBTQ+ couples.\nSix lawsuits on marriage equality have been filed at five regions across Japan since 2019. LGBTQ+ activists and their supporters have stepped up their efforts, and in 2023, the government adopted a law that is not legally binding that\nstates discrimination is unacceptable\n.\nHundreds of municipalities have issued partnership certificates as a workaround for same-sex couples to lower their hurdles in renting apartments and facing other forms of discrimination, but it does not provide the same legal benefit as heterosexual couples, Wednesday’s ruling said.\nThe court, however, rejected a request by the seven plaintiffs that the government pay them 1 million yen (about $6,500) each in compensation for damages suffered under the current system that does not recognize them as legally married.\nOn Tuesday, the United Nations women’s rights committee in Geneva published a report that urged the Japanese government to amend civil code to allow an option of allowing married couples to retain separate surnames. It noted that the current law requiring only one surname compels virtually all women to adopt their husband’s surname, another issue also stalled by the LDP for decades.\nThe U.N. committee also urged Japan to revise the male-only succession rule under the Imperial House Law to allow a female emperor.\nHayashi called the report “regrettable” and “inappropriate.” He said the imperial succession is a matter of national foundation and that it is not part of constitutional basic rights.\n___\nAssociated Press video journalist Ayaka McGill contributed to this report.","attrs_markdown":"[Enable accessibility](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-same-sex-marriage-court-ruling-6005ae890fdc7fd176ce72b57a1f7d99)\n\n[![AP Logo](https:\/\/assets.apnews.com\/19\/66\/bc546486408c8595f01753a9fbeb\/ap-logo-176-by-208.svg)](https:\/\/apnews.com\/)\n\nMenu\n\n- [World](https:\/\/apnews.com\/world-news)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Iran war](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/iran) [Russia-Ukraine war](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/russia-ukraine) [Español](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/noticias) [China](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/china) [Asia Pacific](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/asia-pacific) [Latin America](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/latin-america) [Europe](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/europe) [Africa](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/africa)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [LIVE Strait of Hormuz opens, Trump and Iran’s foreign minister say, as truce in Lebanon seems to hold](https:\/\/apnews.com\/live\/iran-war-israel-trump-04-17-2026)\n  - [Airline adding bunk beds for economy travelers but bans snacks, smells and cuddling](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/air-new-zealand-economy-bunk-beds-sleep-c2c434f60116f332c0ce96c69d662c3b)\n  - [Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz, but Trump says blockade on Iranian ships and ports will stay in force](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/us-iran-war-lebanon-israel-talks-pakistan-hormuz-17-april-2026-4bd5a29af608ecbd72356559b3c55d67)\n  \n  Newsletters\n  \n  [The Morning Wire Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=Morning+Wire+Subscribers)\n  \n  [The Afternoon Wire Get caught up on what you may have missed throughout the day.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=Afternoon+Wire)\n  \n  [See All Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n- [U.S.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/us-news)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Immigration](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/immigration) [Weather](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/weather) [Education](https:\/\/apnews.com\/education) [Transportation](https:\/\/apnews.com\/us-news\/transportation) [Abortion](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/abortion) [LGBTQ+](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/lgbtq) [Notable Deaths](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/obituaries)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [The informant earned millions working for the DEA. He paid no taxes](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/dea-informant-taxes-undercover-andres-zapata-4ec0d868f88d599c7133cda0f0bae493)\n  - [County prosecutor charges ICE agent with assault for pointing gun at people on Minneapolis highway](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/immigration-minnesota-federal-officer-assault-charge-3083400c9b7d45fea4170a6abee7d290)\n  - [New York loses nearly \\$74 million for not revoking 33,000 illegal licenses for immigrant truckers](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/commercial-drivers-license-immigrants-new-york-6503c056455aa9cba114a1a2d646fedc)\n  \n  Newsletters\n  \n  [The Morning Wire Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=Morning+Wire+Subscribers)\n  \n  [See All Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n  \n  AP QUIZZES\n  \n  [Test Your News I.Q. — take today’s quiz](https:\/\/apnews.com\/quizzes)\n- [Politics](https:\/\/apnews.com\/politics)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [2026 Elections](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/elections) [Election Results](https:\/\/apnews.com\/projects\/elections-2026\/) [Election calendar](https:\/\/apnews.com\/projects\/elections-2026\/calendar\/) [White House](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/donald-trump) [Congress](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/congress) [Supreme Court](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/us-supreme-court) [The latest AP-NORC polls](https:\/\/apnews.com\/projects\/polling-tracker\/) [Ground Game](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/ground-game)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Senate extends surveillance powers until April 30 after chaotic votes in House](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/congress-foreign-surveillance-fisa-spy-agencies-3dc3e84c3b9b03f52b84dfb3b01fc770)\n  - [Trump draws Marie Antoinette comparisons as he leans into the gilded trappings of the presidency](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/trump-renovations-marie-antoinette-ballroom-affordability-midterms-5015c7f144fc3bdbb731ebb1f5747a97)\n  - [Trump rails against court decision that once again stalls his White House ballroom project](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/white-house-ballroom-site-trump-1f3ad790860ce7a9c61a5a70d58b8b0e)\n  \n  Newsletters\n  \n  [Ground Game Exclusive insights and key stories from the world of politics.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=Ground_Game)\n  \n  [See All Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n- [Sports](https:\/\/apnews.com\/sports)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [NBA](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/nba) [MLB](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/mlb) [NFL](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/nfl) [Golf](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/golf) [Soccer](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/soccer) [NHL](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/nhl) [Auto Racing](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/auto-racing) [AP Top 25 College Football Poll](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/ap-top-25-college-football-poll)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger dies after car reportedly hit by a train](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/alex-manninger-dies-14ef4d9b91129426801dce8328cb2835)\n  - [Heat, Hornets react to NBA ruling on uncalled LaMelo Ball foul, and how he'll be eligible to play](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/nba-lamelo-ball-bam-adebayo-cd7819ce66e1c3bf3609c440d93dc880)\n  - [Doncic and Cunningham eligible for NBA awards after appeals of 65-game rule. But Edwards is not](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/doncic-cunningham-65-game-rule-nba-2caf8c5044f87b6eeba2dcc0694859db)\n  \n  Newsletters\n  \n  [AP Top 25 Poll Alerts Get email alerts for every college football Top 25 Poll release.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=AP_CFB_Top_25_Poll_Alerts)\n  \n  [The Sports Wire Your home base for in-depth reporting from the world of sports.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=Sports+HQ)\n  \n  [See All Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n- [Entertainment](https:\/\/apnews.com\/entertainment)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Movies](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/movies) [Fashion](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/fashion) [Television](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/television) [Celebrity Interviews](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/celebrity-interviews\/) [Music](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/music) [Books](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/books-and-literature)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Singer D4vd is arrested in the killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/d4vd-suspect-celeste-rivas-hernandez-f58e2983916aaf3340cc48b7e711118f)\n  - [Who should be the next James Bond? A few out-of-the-box ideas](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/james-bond-casting-ideas-281336ba17a068d17be287981303acf1)\n  - ['Avengers: Doomsday' footage, 'Mandalorian' opening unveiled at CinemaCon](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/cinemacon-disney-star-wars-marvel-654f2c37aa97031320ac26b6dc89881b)\n  \n  Newsletters\n  \n  [AP Entertainment Wire Get AP's first personalized newsletter delivering you entertainment news twice a week.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=AP+Entertainment+Wire)\n  \n  [See All Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n- [Business](https:\/\/apnews.com\/business)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Tariffs](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/tariffs) [Inflation](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/inflation) [Financial Markets](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/financial-markets) [Financial Wellness](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/financial-wellness) [Technology](https:\/\/apnews.com\/technology)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [QVC prepares for bankruptcy protection in the era of influencers, TikTok and Temu](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/qvc-bankruptcy-retail-9cbd98c14641ae7bb65c9d2dbb986fc9)\n  - [Oil prices drop more than 10% and US stocks soar after Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/stock-markets-trump-oil-iran-war-50e10bf2aa9b0b658c51e17db3eb3b13)\n  - [Jet fuel supplies are lagging. What does that mean for airlines and travelers?](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/jet-fuel-shortage-iran-war-iea-travel-b77b3d7113e88d1862f90db433cb95af)\n- [Science](https:\/\/apnews.com\/science)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Space](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/space) [Animals](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/animals) [The Ancient World](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/archaeology-and-anthropology) [Climate](https:\/\/apnews.com\/climate-and-environment) [Medicine](https:\/\/apnews.com\/health)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Artemis II astronauts praise their moonship's performance, especially the heat shield](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/nasa-artemis-moon-astronauts-e5f210b79bd269e9d402ef291623f5e9)\n- [Fact Check](https:\/\/apnews.com\/ap-fact-check)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [FACT FOCUS: Trump says drug trafficking by sea is down 98.2%. The numbers don't show that](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/fact-check-trump-drug-trafficking-ocean-sea-3a43c6b41f513510aeb786a8097e7e0d)\n- [Oddities](https:\/\/apnews.com\/oddities)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Hot dogs and steaks and bacon, oh my! Meat raffles keep a beloved Midwest tradition alive](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/meat-raffles-charity-gambling-minnesota-wisconsin-ny-a9700ca9e106a618903c73a5d6a9abd3)\n  - [Fatou, the world's oldest gorilla living in captivity, celebrates her 69th birthday at Berlin Zoo](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/gorilla-germany-fatou-berlin-zoo-0196b95f3b6d48593bb7c872cab51adf)\n  - [Raccoon goes on drunken rampage in Virginia liquor store and passes out on bathroom floor](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/drunk-raccoon-liquor-store-bandit-virginia-5109feb2ea9ab9bf8954ec3798689fd0)\n  - [Viral phenomenon in Argentina has young people identifying themselves as animals](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/argentina-teenagers-identifying-as-animals-therians-tiktok-54d158c4842f6515e31d83a260cdf31f)\n  - [People 'bathe' in nature to get respite from chaotic news cycle](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/forest-bathing-stress-relief-77807628ff6af6b8925c019b41a125bc)\n  - [Humanoid robots run a Chinese half-marathon alongside flesh-and-blood competitors](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/china-robot-half-marathon-153c6823bd628625106ed26267874d21)\n- [Be Well](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/be-well)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Trending](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/be-well-trending) [Better health](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/be-well-health) [At home](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/be-well-living) [Working well](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/working-well) [For the climate](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/be-well-climate) [Eating well](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/be-well-food)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Worries about flying seem to be taking off. Here's how to cope with in-flight anxiety](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/fear-of-flying-8e348402efc654a7248fb9fe4e5df852)\n  - [You aren't the only one who just sits in the car before or after a long day](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/car-idling-microbreaks-solitude-stress-habits-psychology-38470b22c06c7e5aaae1142ad78c6e55)\n  - [Simple ways to make meetings work better for employees on the autism spectrum](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/autism-awareness-work-neurodivergent-meetings-89dfea1bd912184ab06283774cbe3def)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n- [Photography](https:\/\/apnews.com\/photography)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [2025 YEAR END PHOTOS](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/2025-year-end-photos) [Photo Essays](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/photo-essays)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Working unseen to frame risk and ritual in a conflict-zone funeral](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/funeral-gunfire-conflict-zone-extraordinary-photo)\n  - [How a remote camera captured the Artemis II launch and startled birds](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/artemis-ii-launch-one-extraordinary-photo)\n  - [Democrats are becoming a force in traditionally conservative The Villages](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/energized-democrats-conservative-villages-harris-emhoff-320a1cff9d66d806c41bc3dee9210975)\n  \n  Newsletters\n  \n  [The World in Pictures Get The AP’s most compelling photographs sent directly to your inbox.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=Photo+Gallery)\n  \n  [See All Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n- [AP Investigations](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/ap-investigations\/)\n- [Climate](https:\/\/apnews.com\/climate-and-environment)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Indigenous peoples and climate](https:\/\/apnews.com\/climate-and-environment\/indigenous-peoples-adapting-to-and-combatting-climate-change) [Climate Questions](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/climate-questions) [Climate Migration](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/climate-migration) [India Focus](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/india-climate)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Senate Republicans send Trump resolution to lift mining ban near Boundary Waters Canoe Area](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/mining-moratorium-boundary-waters-senate-vote-3e3f0827d52dd6d37f5e554b804ff27c)\n  - [Tijuana River sewage is making the air toxic and sickening thousands in California](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/tijuana-river-sewage-toxins-health-7351200b7d42ad21a6fe7fcb36d0a22d)\n  - [A lost icon: The American chestnut and its central place in the eastern landscape](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/american-chestnut-tree-extinction-culture-973116a9bfed5b770bd1368a560e49f2)\n- [Health](https:\/\/apnews.com\/health)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Younger adult colon cancer deaths are concentrated in people with less education, study says](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/colon-cancer-deaths-young-adults-78c0a3287f2d29575b4004e07230b993)\n  - [You aren't the only one who just sits in the car before or after a long day](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/car-idling-microbreaks-solitude-stress-habits-psychology-38470b22c06c7e5aaae1142ad78c6e55)\n  - [Worries about flying seem to be taking off. Here's how to cope with in-flight anxiety](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/fear-of-flying-8e348402efc654a7248fb9fe4e5df852)\n  - [A small but growing movement wants you to put down your phone. But first read this](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/internet-screens-phone-addiction-attention-bde9f575a54921ca320d30519783c250)\n  - [FDA to weigh easing limits on unproven peptides favored by RFK Jr. and other MAHA figures](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/peptides-fda-kennedy-injection-bpc157-37bf2f94f0e8a57da76e67a03b58ff0f)\n  - [How to spot and help someone in a mental health crisis](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/mental-health-suicide-988-crisis-therapy-trauma-22f75d00b3a39d6fd07f40fd1a887c68)\n- [Tech](https:\/\/apnews.com\/technology)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Artificial Intelligence](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/artificial-intelligence) [Social Media](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/social-media)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [AI is a gold mine for spammers and scammers, but Google is using it as a tool to fight back](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/google-ads-safety-report-ai-scams-defense-06d9ef869958555884989e8ec25974be)\n  - [Humanoid robots show off their language and boxing skills in Hong Kong](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/robots-humanoid-hong-kong-china-5669f3e8147f2795ec352d9811619a7b)\n  - [Callers to Washington state hotline press 2 for Spanish and get accented AI English instead](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/washington-dol-spanish-accent-ai-3a1b8438a5674c07242a8d48c057d5a3)\n- [Lifestyle](https:\/\/apnews.com\/lifestyle)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Food & Recipes](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/recipes) [Gardening](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/gardening) [Fashion](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/fashion) [Homes](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/homes) [Travel](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/travel) [Pets](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/pets)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Plastic garden gear can add microplastics to the soil. Here are some alternatives](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/gardening-plastics-microplastics-soil-1d59fc57ea912beddd41aa1891c5a7da)\n  - [It's music festival season. How to stay safe and healthy while enjoying the show](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/music-festivals-safe-heat-healthy-5e41635e5c0c10df137b19dd606155f0)\n  - [Raffle winner thrilled to claim a \\$1 million Picasso with a \\$117 ticket](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/france-picasso-alzheimers-raffle-63f48af536760e116885d48b211015de)\n- [Religion](https:\/\/apnews.com\/religion)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [China raises pressure on underground Catholics to join official church, Human Rights Watch finds](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/china-catholics-religious-freedom-pope-leo-f50b3819e9bd1765b18246394cf07dbb)\n  - [What a new Gallup poll shows about young men's religious revival](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/religion-church-evangelical-men-women-poll-f2b07f8d5e0e29b7b75334a8b2bbd3a6)\n  - [A dispatch from inside the Vatican bubble during a remarkable exchange between pope and president](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/pope-leo-xiv-media-coverage-trump-africa-bb65bbd4d88949e549f0b0b27916d5da)\n  \n  Newsletters\n  \n  [World of Faith Comprehensive global coverage of how religion shapes our world.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=World+of+Faith)\n  \n  [See All Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n- [Español](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/noticias)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Deportes](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/deportes) [Donald Trump](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/noticias\/donald-trump)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - 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He paid no taxes](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/dea-informant-taxes-undercover-andres-zapata-4ec0d868f88d599c7133cda0f0bae493)\n  - [County prosecutor charges ICE agent with assault for pointing gun at people on Minneapolis highway](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/immigration-minnesota-federal-officer-assault-charge-3083400c9b7d45fea4170a6abee7d290)\n  - [New York loses nearly \\$74 million for not revoking 33,000 illegal licenses for immigrant truckers](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/commercial-drivers-license-immigrants-new-york-6503c056455aa9cba114a1a2d646fedc)\n  \n  Newsletters\n  \n  [The Morning Wire Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=Morning+Wire+Subscribers)\n  \n  [See All Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n  \n  AP QUIZZES\n  \n  [Test Your News I.Q. — take today’s quiz](https:\/\/apnews.com\/quizzes)\n- [Politics](https:\/\/apnews.com\/politics)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [2026 Elections](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/elections) [Election Results](https:\/\/apnews.com\/projects\/elections-2026\/) [Election calendar](https:\/\/apnews.com\/projects\/elections-2026\/calendar\/) [White House](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/donald-trump) [Congress](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/congress) [Supreme Court](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/us-supreme-court) [The latest AP-NORC polls](https:\/\/apnews.com\/projects\/polling-tracker\/) [Ground Game](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/ground-game)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Senate extends surveillance powers until April 30 after chaotic votes in House](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/congress-foreign-surveillance-fisa-spy-agencies-3dc3e84c3b9b03f52b84dfb3b01fc770)\n  - [Trump draws Marie Antoinette comparisons as he leans into the gilded trappings of the presidency](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/trump-renovations-marie-antoinette-ballroom-affordability-midterms-5015c7f144fc3bdbb731ebb1f5747a97)\n  - [Trump rails against court decision that once again stalls his White House ballroom project](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/white-house-ballroom-site-trump-1f3ad790860ce7a9c61a5a70d58b8b0e)\n  \n  Newsletters\n  \n  [Ground Game Exclusive insights and key stories from the world of politics.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=Ground_Game)\n  \n  [See All Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n- [Sports](https:\/\/apnews.com\/sports)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [NBA](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/nba) [MLB](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/mlb) [NFL](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/nfl) [Golf](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/golf) [Soccer](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/soccer) [NHL](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/nhl) [Auto Racing](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/auto-racing) [AP Top 25 College Football Poll](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/ap-top-25-college-football-poll)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger dies after car reportedly hit by a train](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/alex-manninger-dies-14ef4d9b91129426801dce8328cb2835)\n  - [Heat, Hornets react to NBA ruling on uncalled LaMelo Ball foul, and how he'll be eligible to play](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/nba-lamelo-ball-bam-adebayo-cd7819ce66e1c3bf3609c440d93dc880)\n  - [Doncic and Cunningham eligible for NBA awards after appeals of 65-game rule. 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A few out-of-the-box ideas](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/james-bond-casting-ideas-281336ba17a068d17be287981303acf1)\n  - ['Avengers: Doomsday' footage, 'Mandalorian' opening unveiled at CinemaCon](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/cinemacon-disney-star-wars-marvel-654f2c37aa97031320ac26b6dc89881b)\n  \n  Newsletters\n  \n  [AP Entertainment Wire Get AP's first personalized newsletter delivering you entertainment news twice a week.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=AP+Entertainment+Wire)\n  \n  [See All Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n- [Business](https:\/\/apnews.com\/business)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Tariffs](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/tariffs) [Inflation](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/inflation) [Financial Markets](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/financial-markets) [Financial Wellness](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/financial-wellness) [Technology](https:\/\/apnews.com\/technology)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [QVC prepares for bankruptcy protection in the era of influencers, TikTok and Temu](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/qvc-bankruptcy-retail-9cbd98c14641ae7bb65c9d2dbb986fc9)\n  - [Oil prices drop more than 10% and US stocks soar after Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/stock-markets-trump-oil-iran-war-50e10bf2aa9b0b658c51e17db3eb3b13)\n  - [Jet fuel supplies are lagging. What does that mean for airlines and travelers?](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/jet-fuel-shortage-iran-war-iea-travel-b77b3d7113e88d1862f90db433cb95af)\n- [Science](https:\/\/apnews.com\/science)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Space](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/space) [Animals](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/animals) [The Ancient World](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/archaeology-and-anthropology) [Climate](https:\/\/apnews.com\/climate-and-environment) [Medicine](https:\/\/apnews.com\/health)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Artemis II astronauts praise their moonship's performance, especially the heat shield](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/nasa-artemis-moon-astronauts-e5f210b79bd269e9d402ef291623f5e9)\n- [Fact Check](https:\/\/apnews.com\/ap-fact-check)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [FACT FOCUS: Trump says drug trafficking by sea is down 98.2%. The numbers don't show that](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/fact-check-trump-drug-trafficking-ocean-sea-3a43c6b41f513510aeb786a8097e7e0d)\n- [Oddities](https:\/\/apnews.com\/oddities)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Hot dogs and steaks and bacon, oh my! Meat raffles keep a beloved Midwest tradition alive](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/meat-raffles-charity-gambling-minnesota-wisconsin-ny-a9700ca9e106a618903c73a5d6a9abd3)\n  - [Fatou, the world's oldest gorilla living in captivity, celebrates her 69th birthday at Berlin Zoo](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/gorilla-germany-fatou-berlin-zoo-0196b95f3b6d48593bb7c872cab51adf)\n  - [Raccoon goes on drunken rampage in Virginia liquor store and passes out on bathroom floor](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/drunk-raccoon-liquor-store-bandit-virginia-5109feb2ea9ab9bf8954ec3798689fd0)\n  - [Viral phenomenon in Argentina has young people identifying themselves as animals](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/argentina-teenagers-identifying-as-animals-therians-tiktok-54d158c4842f6515e31d83a260cdf31f)\n  - [People 'bathe' in nature to get respite from chaotic news cycle](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/forest-bathing-stress-relief-77807628ff6af6b8925c019b41a125bc)\n  - [Humanoid robots run a Chinese half-marathon alongside flesh-and-blood competitors](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/china-robot-half-marathon-153c6823bd628625106ed26267874d21)\n- [Be Well](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/be-well)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Trending](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/be-well-trending) [Better health](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/be-well-health) [At home](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/be-well-living) [Working well](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/working-well) [For the climate](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/be-well-climate) [Eating well](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/be-well-food)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Worries about flying seem to be taking off. Here's how to cope with in-flight anxiety](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/fear-of-flying-8e348402efc654a7248fb9fe4e5df852)\n  - [You aren't the only one who just sits in the car before or after a long day](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/car-idling-microbreaks-solitude-stress-habits-psychology-38470b22c06c7e5aaae1142ad78c6e55)\n  - [Simple ways to make meetings work better for employees on the autism spectrum](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/autism-awareness-work-neurodivergent-meetings-89dfea1bd912184ab06283774cbe3def)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n- [Photography](https:\/\/apnews.com\/photography)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [2025 YEAR END PHOTOS](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/2025-year-end-photos) [Photo Essays](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/photo-essays)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Working unseen to frame risk and ritual in a conflict-zone funeral](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/funeral-gunfire-conflict-zone-extraordinary-photo)\n  - [How a remote camera captured the Artemis II launch and startled birds](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/artemis-ii-launch-one-extraordinary-photo)\n  - [Democrats are becoming a force in traditionally conservative The Villages](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/energized-democrats-conservative-villages-harris-emhoff-320a1cff9d66d806c41bc3dee9210975)\n  \n  Newsletters\n  \n  [The World in Pictures Get The AP’s most compelling photographs sent directly to your inbox.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=Photo+Gallery)\n  \n  [See All Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n- [AP Investigations](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/ap-investigations\/)\n- [Climate](https:\/\/apnews.com\/climate-and-environment)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Indigenous peoples and climate](https:\/\/apnews.com\/climate-and-environment\/indigenous-peoples-adapting-to-and-combatting-climate-change) [Climate Questions](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/climate-questions) [Climate Migration](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/climate-migration) [India Focus](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/india-climate)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Senate Republicans send Trump resolution to lift mining ban near Boundary Waters Canoe Area](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/mining-moratorium-boundary-waters-senate-vote-3e3f0827d52dd6d37f5e554b804ff27c)\n  - [Tijuana River sewage is making the air toxic and sickening thousands in California](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/tijuana-river-sewage-toxins-health-7351200b7d42ad21a6fe7fcb36d0a22d)\n  - [A lost icon: The American chestnut and its central place in the eastern landscape](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/american-chestnut-tree-extinction-culture-973116a9bfed5b770bd1368a560e49f2)\n- [Health](https:\/\/apnews.com\/health)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Younger adult colon cancer deaths are concentrated in people with less education, study says](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/colon-cancer-deaths-young-adults-78c0a3287f2d29575b4004e07230b993)\n  - [You aren't the only one who just sits in the car before or after a long day](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/car-idling-microbreaks-solitude-stress-habits-psychology-38470b22c06c7e5aaae1142ad78c6e55)\n  - [Worries about flying seem to be taking off. Here's how to cope with in-flight anxiety](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/fear-of-flying-8e348402efc654a7248fb9fe4e5df852)\n  - [A small but growing movement wants you to put down your phone. But first read this](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/internet-screens-phone-addiction-attention-bde9f575a54921ca320d30519783c250)\n  - [FDA to weigh easing limits on unproven peptides favored by RFK Jr. and other MAHA figures](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/peptides-fda-kennedy-injection-bpc157-37bf2f94f0e8a57da76e67a03b58ff0f)\n  - [How to spot and help someone in a mental health crisis](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/mental-health-suicide-988-crisis-therapy-trauma-22f75d00b3a39d6fd07f40fd1a887c68)\n- [Tech](https:\/\/apnews.com\/technology)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Artificial Intelligence](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/artificial-intelligence) [Social Media](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/social-media)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [AI is a gold mine for spammers and scammers, but Google is using it as a tool to fight back](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/google-ads-safety-report-ai-scams-defense-06d9ef869958555884989e8ec25974be)\n  - [Humanoid robots show off their language and boxing skills in Hong Kong](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/robots-humanoid-hong-kong-china-5669f3e8147f2795ec352d9811619a7b)\n  - [Callers to Washington state hotline press 2 for Spanish and get accented AI English instead](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/washington-dol-spanish-accent-ai-3a1b8438a5674c07242a8d48c057d5a3)\n- [Lifestyle](https:\/\/apnews.com\/lifestyle)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Food & Recipes](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/recipes) [Gardening](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/gardening) [Fashion](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/fashion) [Homes](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/homes) [Travel](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/travel) [Pets](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/pets)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Plastic garden gear can add microplastics to the soil. Here are some alternatives](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/gardening-plastics-microplastics-soil-1d59fc57ea912beddd41aa1891c5a7da)\n  - [It's music festival season. How to stay safe and healthy while enjoying the show](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/music-festivals-safe-heat-healthy-5e41635e5c0c10df137b19dd606155f0)\n  - [Raffle winner thrilled to claim a \\$1 million Picasso with a \\$117 ticket](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/france-picasso-alzheimers-raffle-63f48af536760e116885d48b211015de)\n- [Religion](https:\/\/apnews.com\/religion)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [China raises pressure on underground Catholics to join official church, Human Rights Watch finds](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/china-catholics-religious-freedom-pope-leo-f50b3819e9bd1765b18246394cf07dbb)\n  - [What a new Gallup poll shows about young men's religious revival](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/religion-church-evangelical-men-women-poll-f2b07f8d5e0e29b7b75334a8b2bbd3a6)\n  - [A dispatch from inside the Vatican bubble during a remarkable exchange between pope and president](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/pope-leo-xiv-media-coverage-trump-africa-bb65bbd4d88949e549f0b0b27916d5da)\n  \n  Newsletters\n  \n  [World of Faith Comprehensive global coverage of how religion shapes our world.](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters?id=World+of+Faith)\n  \n  [See All Newsletters](https:\/\/apnews.com\/newsletters)\n- [Español](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/noticias)\n  \n  SECTIONS\n  \n  [Deportes](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/deportes) [Donald Trump](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/noticias\/donald-trump)\n  \n  TOP STORIES\n  \n  - [Médico argentino se desvincula de la muerte de Maradona en el juicio: \"Yo lo amaba, era mi ídolo\"](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/argentina-maradona-nuevo-juicio-medico-imputado-declaracion-ec72c4f7f828d9296120809edc3a8cbf)\n  - [EEUU ataca otro barco y mata a 3 hombres que dice traficaban con drogas en el Pacífico oriental](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/trump-carteles-eb9a52197718df42e2885942c9ddbfdf)\n  - [Familias estadounidenses impugnan ley italiana que limita ciudadanía por ascendencia](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/italia-ley-de-ciudadania-6a566cfc959b0b749b5492f62b5db160)\n- [Most watched videos](https:\/\/apnews.com\/video)\n- [Standards](https:\/\/apnews.com\/projects\/news-values-and-principles\/)\n- [Quizzes](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/quizzes)\n- [Press Releases](https:\/\/apnews.com\/press-releases)\n- [My Account](https:\/\/apnews.com\/login)\n- [AP News Code of Conduct](https:\/\/apnews.com\/community-guidelines)\n- - [World](https:\/\/apnews.com\/world-news)\n    \n    - 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All Rights Reserved.\n\nlive [Strait of Hormuz](https:\/\/apnews.com\/live\/iran-war-israel-trump-04-17-2026)\n\n[Oil prices](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/stock-markets-trump-oil-iran-war-50e10bf2aa9b0b658c51e17db3eb3b13)\n\n[Cerina Fairfax](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/virginia-justin-cerina-fairfax-death-802965d14f3dffa70b1974cfa8d78a17)\n\n[House extends surveillance powers](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/congress-foreign-surveillance-fisa-spy-agencies-3dc3e84c3b9b03f52b84dfb3b01fc770)\n\n[Don Schlitz dies](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/don-schlitz-dies-5d6d5857dc58100161210cce0186f2af)\n\n[World News](https:\/\/apnews.com\/world-news)\n\n# A second high court rules that Japan’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional\n\n![FILE - Representatives of Japanese LGBTQ people and rights groups pose for photographers during a news conference in Tokyo, Feb. 7, 2023. (AP Photo\/Eugene Hoshiko, File)](https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/09ceec7\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6000x3999+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F35%2F09%2Fae24dd0243045d4ef1010cd25655%2F89f4d775dbe544f9b15543abf037a712)\n\nFILE - Representatives of Japanese LGBTQ people and rights groups pose for photographers during a news conference in Tokyo, Feb. 7, 2023. (AP Photo\/Eugene Hoshiko, File)\n\nRead More\n\n[![](https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/f515e21\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/972x972+0+349\/resize\/60x60!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F9c%2F21%2Fe31600a048b18235abf4f4f1ca46%2Fimg-1754-mari-yamaguchi.jpg)](https:\/\/apnews.com\/author\/mari-yamaguchi)\n\nBy [MARI YAMAGUCHI](https:\/\/apnews.com\/author\/mari-yamaguchi)\n\nUpdated 11:58 AM GMT, October 30, 2024\n\nAdd AP News on Google\n\nAdd AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.\n\nShare\n\n![Comments](https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/4f4506e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/112x119+0+0\/resize\/112x119!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F8c%2F0d%2F15433a314663a3ae8a349ee0d9fa%2Fveifora-comment-icon.png)\n\nShare\n\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/dialog\/share?app_id=870613919693099&display=popup&href=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fjapan-same-sex-marriage-court-ruling-6005ae890fdc7fd176ce72b57a1f7d99%3Futm_source%3DFacebook%26utm_medium%3Dshare)\n- Copy\n  \n  Link copied\n- [Email](mailto:?body=A%20second%20high%20court%20rules%20that%20Japan%27s%20ban%20on%20same-sex%20marriage%20is%20unconstitutional%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fjapan-same-sex-marriage-court-ruling-6005ae890fdc7fd176ce72b57a1f7d99%3Futm_source%3DEmail%26utm_medium%3Dshare%0A%0AA%20second%20high%20court%20has%20ruled%20that%20the%20Japanese%20government%E2%80%99s%20policy%20against%20same-sex%20marriage%20is%20unconstitutional.)\n- [X](https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fjapan-same-sex-marriage-court-ruling-6005ae890fdc7fd176ce72b57a1f7d99%3Futm_source%3Dtwitter%26utm_medium%3Dshare&text=A%20second%20high%20court%20rules%20that%20Japan%27s%20ban%20on%20same-sex%20marriage%20is%20unconstitutional)\n- [LinkedIn](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-same-sex-marriage-court-ruling-6005ae890fdc7fd176ce72b57a1f7d99)\n- [Bluesky](https:\/\/bsky.app\/intent\/compose?text=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fjapan-same-sex-marriage-court-ruling-6005ae890fdc7fd176ce72b57a1f7d99%3Futm_source%3Dbluesky%26utm_medium%3Dshare%26nbsp%3B%3Cbr%3EA%20second%20high%20court%20rules%20that%20Japan%27s%20ban%20on%20same-sex%20marriage%20is%20unconstitutional)\n- [Flipboard](https:\/\/share.flipboard.com\/bookmarklet\/popout?v=2&title=A%20second%20high%20court%20rules%20that%20Japan%27s%20ban%20on%20same-sex%20marriage%20is%20unconstitutional&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fjapan-same-sex-marriage-court-ruling-6005ae890fdc7fd176ce72b57a1f7d99%3Futm_source%3DFlipboard%20Share%26utm_medium%3Dshare)\n- [Pinterest](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/bookmarklet\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fjapan-same-sex-marriage-court-ruling-6005ae890fdc7fd176ce72b57a1f7d99%3Futm_source%3DPinterest%26utm_medium%3Dshare&description=A%20second%20high%20court%20rules%20that%20Japan%27s%20ban%20on%20same-sex%20marriage%20is%20unconstitutional&media=https:\/\/assets.apnews.com\/35\/09\/ae24dd0243045d4ef1010cd25655\/89f4d775dbe544f9b15543abf037a712)\n- [Reddit](https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fjapan-same-sex-marriage-court-ruling-6005ae890fdc7fd176ce72b57a1f7d99%3Futm_source%3Dreddit%26utm_medium%3Dshare&title=Reddit%20Share)\n\nTOKYO (AP) — A second [Japanese](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/japan) high court ruled Wednesday that the government’s policy against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, the latest in a series of decisions upholding plaintiffs’ [demands for marriage equality](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-lawsuit-bd8eb6d32d3346e0df54436bb6709fe2).\n\nThe Tokyo High Court called the ongoing ban “a groundless legal discrimination based on sexual orientation,” saying it violates the constitutional guarantee of right to equality, as well as individuals’ dignity and equality between sexes. It was a clearer statement than the 2022 lower court decision that described the situation as “an unconstitutional state.”\n\nThe [Sapporo High Court ruling in March](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-ruling-court-f869fa7d2b22bfc1eafcd5d6a7c9d5a2) said not allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same benefits as straight couples violates their fundamental right to equality and freedom of marriage. Wednesday’s ruling is the seventh overall that found the ongoing ban to be unconstitutional or nearly so, against only one district court decision that found it constitutional. The rulings can still be appealed to the Supreme Court.\n\nIn Wednesday’s ruling, Presiding Judge Sonoe Taniguchi also wrote that the purpose of marriage is not only to produce offspring but also to ensure stable legal status for the partners, and that there is no rational reason to justify excluding same-sex couples. She said there is a shared international consensus against discriminating based on sexual orientation.\n\nRelated Stories\n\n[![Becky Pepper-Jackson prepares to throw a discus Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, W.VA. 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She and her fellow lawyers in a statement demanded the government immediately take steps “to open the door for marriage equality.”\n\n“I felt grateful to be alive when I heard the word ‘unconstitutional’ from the judge,” said Yoko Ogawa, a plaintiff in her 60s. She said she worries about a lack of legal protection for her and her partner as they age, and that “I hope to see progress toward legalization as soon as possible.”\n\nTheir main obstacle, Japan’s conservative Liberal Democratic Party’s ruling coalition, [lost a parliamentary majority](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-ishiba-parliament-election-ldp-opposition-5c6509c7b83963ffe40588c50998967c) in Sunday’s election and is [likely to have to compromise](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-parliamentary-election-ishiba-ldp-coalition-opposition-d5c1fd1871f8f357745ef1847ba26c4e) on more liberal policies pushed by the opposition parties such as marriage equality, which is largely supported by the general public.\n\nJapan is the [only member of the Group of Seven industrialized countries](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-lgbtq-pride7-summit-g7-samesex-marriage-c5dfbfc49a2fca72befde941f642613b) that does not recognize same-sex marriage or provide any other form of legally binding protection for LGBTQ+ couples.\n\nSix lawsuits on marriage equality have been filed at five regions across Japan since 2019. LGBTQ+ activists and their supporters have stepped up their efforts, and in 2023, the government adopted a law that is not legally binding that [states discrimination is unacceptable](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-ruling-unconstitutional-3b3052a7ef21740a51a4215238d9c338).\n\nHundreds of municipalities have issued partnership certificates as a workaround for same-sex couples to lower their hurdles in renting apartments and facing other forms of discrimination, but it does not provide the same legal benefit as heterosexual couples, Wednesday’s ruling said.\n\nThe court, however, rejected a request by the seven plaintiffs that the government pay them 1 million yen (about \\$6,500) each in compensation for damages suffered under the current system that does not recognize them as legally married.\n\nOn Tuesday, the United Nations women’s rights committee in Geneva published a report that urged the Japanese government to amend civil code to allow an option of allowing married couples to retain separate surnames. It noted that the current law requiring only one surname compels virtually all women to adopt their husband’s surname, another issue also stalled by the LDP for decades.\n\nThe U.N. committee also urged Japan to revise the male-only succession rule under the Imperial House Law to allow a female emperor.\n\nHayashi called the report “regrettable” and “inappropriate.” He said the imperial succession is a matter of national foundation and that it is not part of constitutional basic rights.\n\n\\_\\_\\_\n\nAssociated Press video journalist Ayaka McGill contributed to this report.\n\n[![MARI YAMAGUCHI](https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/00c1533\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/972x972+0+349\/resize\/100x100!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F9c%2F21%2Fe31600a048b18235abf4f4f1ca46%2Fimg-1754-mari-yamaguchi.jpg)](https:\/\/apnews.com\/author\/mari-yamaguchi)\n\n[MARI YAMAGUCHI](https:\/\/apnews.com\/author\/mari-yamaguchi)\n\nYamaguchi is based in Tokyo and covers Japanese politics, security, nuclear energy and social issues for The Associated Press.\n\n[twitter](https:\/\/twitter.com\/mariyamaguchi)\n\n[mailto](mailto:myamaguchi@ap.org)\n\n[![](https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/e68338f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/400x356+0+0\/resize\/28x25!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F23%2Fd6%2F24be7e05491da439aed7d88df1a3%2Fbluesky-logo-white-copy.png)](https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/mariyamaguchi.bsky.social)\n\nMost read\n\n1. 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All Rights Reserved.\n\n- [twitter](https:\/\/twitter.com\/AP)\n- [instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/apnews\/)\n- [facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/APNews)\n\n![](https:\/\/sb.scorecardresearch.com\/p?c1=2&c2=3005041&cv=4.4.0&cj=1&comscorekw=World%20News)","attrs_readable_markdown":"[![](https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/f515e21\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/972x972+0+349\/resize\/60x60!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F9c%2F21%2Fe31600a048b18235abf4f4f1ca46%2Fimg-1754-mari-yamaguchi.jpg)](https:\/\/apnews.com\/author\/mari-yamaguchi)\n\nUpdated 11:58 AM GMT, October 30, 2024\n\nTOKYO (AP) — A second [Japanese](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/japan) high court ruled Wednesday that the government’s policy against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, the latest in a series of decisions upholding plaintiffs’ [demands for marriage equality](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-lawsuit-bd8eb6d32d3346e0df54436bb6709fe2).\n\nThe Tokyo High Court called the ongoing ban “a groundless legal discrimination based on sexual orientation,” saying it violates the constitutional guarantee of right to equality, as well as individuals’ dignity and equality between sexes. It was a clearer statement than the 2022 lower court decision that described the situation as “an unconstitutional state.”\n\nThe [Sapporo High Court ruling in March](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-ruling-court-f869fa7d2b22bfc1eafcd5d6a7c9d5a2) said not allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same benefits as straight couples violates their fundamental right to equality and freedom of marriage. Wednesday’s ruling is the seventh overall that found the ongoing ban to be unconstitutional or nearly so, against only one district court decision that found it constitutional. The rulings can still be appealed to the Supreme Court.\n\nIn Wednesday’s ruling, Presiding Judge Sonoe Taniguchi also wrote that the purpose of marriage is not only to produce offspring but also to ensure stable legal status for the partners, and that there is no rational reason to justify excluding same-sex couples. She said there is a shared international consensus against discriminating based on sexual orientation.\n\n[![Becky Pepper-Jackson prepares to throw a discus Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, W.VA. (AP Photo\/John Raby)](https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/4c25a7c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5712x4284+0+0\/resize\/599x449!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F68%2F25%2Fb3e2c0a2f02df6f516898523c09c%2F2278343884b54f51a633ebf0bec3a2c6)](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/supreme-court-transgender-athletes-3121b7b76c44d4973015c3b7ed52a65a)\n\n5 MIN READ\n\n[![Displaying a photo of a transperson who died under suspicious circumstances, members of the LGBTQ+ community protest against a decree by the Ministry of Health classifying transgender people as mentally ill, outside the Peruvian embassy in Quito, Ecuador, May 17, 2024. (AP Photo\/Dolores Ochoa)](https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/8f4c068\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3063x2041+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F8c%2Fcb%2F3c0712a8a0d66b2cad7bbecd24fb%2Fba826ecc63bc4016837ea193f1783880)](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/ecuador-lgbtq-rights-transgender-minors-56bd44cf32e3689196a9a7015d23bea8)\n\n5 MIN READ\n\n[![Fayetteville High senior Lily Alder, president of the Young Democrats of Arkansas, is photographed in the halls at Fayetteville High School Tuesday, April, 7, 2026 in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo\/Michael Woods)](https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/a13869c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6620x4413+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F9b%2F23%2F37af1eba3c683d60833311a743cc%2F15dfb4f434fe424fb6947c5538ccf7ad)](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/turning-point-clubs-high-schools-charlie-kirk-6ff5b410b6c5272e2203b6adac4a198c)\n\n4 MIN READ\n\nChief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Wednesday’s ruling has not been finalized and that his government will continue to watch other pending court cases.\n\nStill, the winning streak has raised hopes among the [LGBTQ+](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/lgbtq) community.\n\nPlaintiffs cheered outside of the court Wednesday, while their supporters held banners carrying messages such as “Further advance toward marriage equality!” and “No more waiting for legal revision!”\n\nMakiko Terahara, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, welcomed the ruling, calling it historic. She and her fellow lawyers in a statement demanded the government immediately take steps “to open the door for marriage equality.”\n\n“I felt grateful to be alive when I heard the word ‘unconstitutional’ from the judge,” said Yoko Ogawa, a plaintiff in her 60s. She said she worries about a lack of legal protection for her and her partner as they age, and that “I hope to see progress toward legalization as soon as possible.”\n\nTheir main obstacle, Japan’s conservative Liberal Democratic Party’s ruling coalition, [lost a parliamentary majority](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-ishiba-parliament-election-ldp-opposition-5c6509c7b83963ffe40588c50998967c) in Sunday’s election and is [likely to have to compromise](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-parliamentary-election-ishiba-ldp-coalition-opposition-d5c1fd1871f8f357745ef1847ba26c4e) on more liberal policies pushed by the opposition parties such as marriage equality, which is largely supported by the general public.\n\nJapan is the [only member of the Group of Seven industrialized countries](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-lgbtq-pride7-summit-g7-samesex-marriage-c5dfbfc49a2fca72befde941f642613b) that does not recognize same-sex marriage or provide any other form of legally binding protection for LGBTQ+ couples.\n\nSix lawsuits on marriage equality have been filed at five regions across Japan since 2019. LGBTQ+ activists and their supporters have stepped up their efforts, and in 2023, the government adopted a law that is not legally binding that [states discrimination is unacceptable](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-ruling-unconstitutional-3b3052a7ef21740a51a4215238d9c338).\n\nHundreds of municipalities have issued partnership certificates as a workaround for same-sex couples to lower their hurdles in renting apartments and facing other forms of discrimination, but it does not provide the same legal benefit as heterosexual couples, Wednesday’s ruling said.\n\nThe court, however, rejected a request by the seven plaintiffs that the government pay them 1 million yen (about \\$6,500) each in compensation for damages suffered under the current system that does not recognize them as legally married.\n\nOn Tuesday, the United Nations women’s rights committee in Geneva published a report that urged the Japanese government to amend civil code to allow an option of allowing married couples to retain separate surnames. It noted that the current law requiring only one surname compels virtually all women to adopt their husband’s surname, another issue also stalled by the LDP for decades.\n\nThe U.N. committee also urged Japan to revise the male-only succession rule under the Imperial House Law to allow a female emperor.\n\nHayashi called the report “regrettable” and “inappropriate.” He said the imperial succession is a matter of national foundation and that it is not part of constitutional basic rights.\n\n\\_\\_\\_\n\nAssociated Press video journalist Ayaka McGill contributed to this report.","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://apnews.com/article/japan-same-sex-marriage-court-ruling-6005ae890fdc7fd176ce72b57a1f7d99
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Meta Title	A second high court rules that Japan's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional \| AP News
Meta Description	A second high court has ruled that the Japanese government’s policy against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.
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Boilerpipe Text	Updated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [timezone], [monthFull] [day], [year] Updated 11:58 AM GMT, October 30, 2024 TOKYO (AP) — A second Japanese high court ruled Wednesday that the government’s policy against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, the latest in a series of decisions upholding plaintiffs’ demands for marriage equality . The Tokyo High Court called the ongoing ban “a groundless legal discrimination based on sexual orientation,” saying it violates the constitutional guarantee of right to equality, as well as individuals’ dignity and equality between sexes. It was a clearer statement than the 2022 lower court decision that described the situation as “an unconstitutional state.” The Sapporo High Court ruling in March said not allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same benefits as straight couples violates their fundamental right to equality and freedom of marriage. Wednesday’s ruling is the seventh overall that found the ongoing ban to be unconstitutional or nearly so, against only one district court decision that found it constitutional. The rulings can still be appealed to the Supreme Court. In Wednesday’s ruling, Presiding Judge Sonoe Taniguchi also wrote that the purpose of marriage is not only to produce offspring but also to ensure stable legal status for the partners, and that there is no rational reason to justify excluding same-sex couples. She said there is a shared international consensus against discriminating based on sexual orientation. 5 MIN READ 5 MIN READ 4 MIN READ Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Wednesday’s ruling has not been finalized and that his government will continue to watch other pending court cases. Still, the winning streak has raised hopes among the LGBTQ+ community. Plaintiffs cheered outside of the court Wednesday, while their supporters held banners carrying messages such as “Further advance toward marriage equality!” and “No more waiting for legal revision!” Makiko Terahara, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, welcomed the ruling, calling it historic. She and her fellow lawyers in a statement demanded the government immediately take steps “to open the door for marriage equality.” “I felt grateful to be alive when I heard the word ‘unconstitutional’ from the judge,” said Yoko Ogawa, a plaintiff in her 60s. She said she worries about a lack of legal protection for her and her partner as they age, and that “I hope to see progress toward legalization as soon as possible.” Their main obstacle, Japan’s conservative Liberal Democratic Party’s ruling coalition, lost a parliamentary majority in Sunday’s election and is likely to have to compromise on more liberal policies pushed by the opposition parties such as marriage equality, which is largely supported by the general public. Japan is the only member of the Group of Seven industrialized countries that does not recognize same-sex marriage or provide any other form of legally binding protection for LGBTQ+ couples. Six lawsuits on marriage equality have been filed at five regions across Japan since 2019. LGBTQ+ activists and their supporters have stepped up their efforts, and in 2023, the government adopted a law that is not legally binding that states discrimination is unacceptable . Hundreds of municipalities have issued partnership certificates as a workaround for same-sex couples to lower their hurdles in renting apartments and facing other forms of discrimination, but it does not provide the same legal benefit as heterosexual couples, Wednesday’s ruling said. The court, however, rejected a request by the seven plaintiffs that the government pay them 1 million yen (about $6,500) each in compensation for damages suffered under the current system that does not recognize them as legally married. On Tuesday, the United Nations women’s rights committee in Geneva published a report that urged the Japanese government to amend civil code to allow an option of allowing married couples to retain separate surnames. It noted that the current law requiring only one surname compels virtually all women to adopt their husband’s surname, another issue also stalled by the LDP for decades. The U.N. committee also urged Japan to revise the male-only succession rule under the Imperial House Law to allow a female emperor. Hayashi called the report “regrettable” and “inappropriate.” He said the imperial succession is a matter of national foundation and that it is not part of constitutional basic rights. ___ Associated Press video journalist Ayaka McGill contributed to this report.
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All Rights Reserved. live [Strait of Hormuz](https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-04-17-2026) [Oil prices](https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-trump-oil-iran-war-50e10bf2aa9b0b658c51e17db3eb3b13) [Cerina Fairfax](https://apnews.com/article/virginia-justin-cerina-fairfax-death-802965d14f3dffa70b1974cfa8d78a17) [House extends surveillance powers](https://apnews.com/article/congress-foreign-surveillance-fisa-spy-agencies-3dc3e84c3b9b03f52b84dfb3b01fc770) [Don Schlitz dies](https://apnews.com/article/don-schlitz-dies-5d6d5857dc58100161210cce0186f2af) [World News](https://apnews.com/world-news) # A second high court rules that Japan’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional ![FILE - Representatives of Japanese LGBTQ people and rights groups pose for photographers during a news conference in Tokyo, Feb. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File)](https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/09ceec7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3999+0+0/resize/320x213!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F35%2F09%2Fae24dd0243045d4ef1010cd25655%2F89f4d775dbe544f9b15543abf037a712) FILE - Representatives of Japanese LGBTQ people and rights groups pose for photographers during a news conference in Tokyo, Feb. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File) Read More [![](https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/f515e21/2147483647/strip/true/crop/972x972+0+349/resize/60x60!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F9c%2F21%2Fe31600a048b18235abf4f4f1ca46%2Fimg-1754-mari-yamaguchi.jpg)](https://apnews.com/author/mari-yamaguchi) By [MARI YAMAGUCHI](https://apnews.com/author/mari-yamaguchi) Updated 11:58 AM GMT, October 30, 2024 Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Share ![Comments](https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/4f4506e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/112x119+0+0/resize/112x119!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F8c%2F0d%2F15433a314663a3ae8a349ee0d9fa%2Fveifora-comment-icon.png) Share - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=870613919693099&display=popup&href=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fjapan-same-sex-marriage-court-ruling-6005ae890fdc7fd176ce72b57a1f7d99%3Futm_source%3DFacebook%26utm_medium%3Dshare) - Copy Link copied - [Email](mailto:?body=A%20second%20high%20court%20rules%20that%20Japan%27s%20ban%20on%20same-sex%20marriage%20is%20unconstitutional%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fjapan-same-sex-marriage-court-ruling-6005ae890fdc7fd176ce72b57a1f7d99%3Futm_source%3DEmail%26utm_medium%3Dshare%0A%0AA%20second%20high%20court%20has%20ruled%20that%20the%20Japanese%20government%E2%80%99s%20policy%20against%20same-sex%20marriage%20is%20unconstitutional.) - [X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fjapan-same-sex-marriage-court-ruling-6005ae890fdc7fd176ce72b57a1f7d99%3Futm_source%3Dtwitter%26utm_medium%3Dshare&text=A%20second%20high%20court%20rules%20that%20Japan%27s%20ban%20on%20same-sex%20marriage%20is%20unconstitutional) - [LinkedIn](https://apnews.com/article/japan-same-sex-marriage-court-ruling-6005ae890fdc7fd176ce72b57a1f7d99) - [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fjapan-same-sex-marriage-court-ruling-6005ae890fdc7fd176ce72b57a1f7d99%3Futm_source%3Dbluesky%26utm_medium%3Dshare%26nbsp%3B%3Cbr%3EA%20second%20high%20court%20rules%20that%20Japan%27s%20ban%20on%20same-sex%20marriage%20is%20unconstitutional) - [Flipboard](https://share.flipboard.com/bookmarklet/popout?v=2&title=A%20second%20high%20court%20rules%20that%20Japan%27s%20ban%20on%20same-sex%20marriage%20is%20unconstitutional&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fjapan-same-sex-marriage-court-ruling-6005ae890fdc7fd176ce72b57a1f7d99%3Futm_source%3DFlipboard%20Share%26utm_medium%3Dshare) - [Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/bookmarklet/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fjapan-same-sex-marriage-court-ruling-6005ae890fdc7fd176ce72b57a1f7d99%3Futm_source%3DPinterest%26utm_medium%3Dshare&description=A%20second%20high%20court%20rules%20that%20Japan%27s%20ban%20on%20same-sex%20marriage%20is%20unconstitutional&media=https://assets.apnews.com/35/09/ae24dd0243045d4ef1010cd25655/89f4d775dbe544f9b15543abf037a712) - [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fjapan-same-sex-marriage-court-ruling-6005ae890fdc7fd176ce72b57a1f7d99%3Futm_source%3Dreddit%26utm_medium%3Dshare&title=Reddit%20Share) TOKYO (AP) — A second [Japanese](https://apnews.com/hub/japan) high court ruled Wednesday that the government’s policy against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, the latest in a series of decisions upholding plaintiffs’ [demands for marriage equality](https://apnews.com/article/japan-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-lawsuit-bd8eb6d32d3346e0df54436bb6709fe2). The Tokyo High Court called the ongoing ban “a groundless legal discrimination based on sexual orientation,” saying it violates the constitutional guarantee of right to equality, as well as individuals’ dignity and equality between sexes. It was a clearer statement than the 2022 lower court decision that described the situation as “an unconstitutional state.” The [Sapporo High Court ruling in March](https://apnews.com/article/japan-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-ruling-court-f869fa7d2b22bfc1eafcd5d6a7c9d5a2) said not allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same benefits as straight couples violates their fundamental right to equality and freedom of marriage. Wednesday’s ruling is the seventh overall that found the ongoing ban to be unconstitutional or nearly so, against only one district court decision that found it constitutional. The rulings can still be appealed to the Supreme Court. In Wednesday’s ruling, Presiding Judge Sonoe Taniguchi also wrote that the purpose of marriage is not only to produce offspring but also to ensure stable legal status for the partners, and that there is no rational reason to justify excluding same-sex couples. She said there is a shared international consensus against discriminating based on sexual orientation. Related Stories [![Becky Pepper-Jackson prepares to throw a discus Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, W.VA. (AP Photo/John Raby)](https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/4c25a7c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5712x4284+0+0/resize/599x449!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F68%2F25%2Fb3e2c0a2f02df6f516898523c09c%2F2278343884b54f51a633ebf0bec3a2c6)](https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-transgender-athletes-3121b7b76c44d4973015c3b7ed52a65a) [Transgender athlete focuses on what may be her last track season as Supreme Court ruling looms](https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-transgender-athletes-3121b7b76c44d4973015c3b7ed52a65a) 5 MIN READ [![Displaying a photo of a transperson who died under suspicious circumstances, members of the LGBTQ+ community protest against a decree by the Ministry of Health classifying transgender people as mentally ill, outside the Peruvian embassy in Quito, Ecuador, May 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)](https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/8f4c068/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3063x2041+0+0/resize/599x399!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F8c%2Fcb%2F3c0712a8a0d66b2cad7bbecd24fb%2Fba826ecc63bc4016837ea193f1783880)](https://apnews.com/article/ecuador-lgbtq-rights-transgender-minors-56bd44cf32e3689196a9a7015d23bea8) [A transgender teen’s case in Ecuador opens path for others seeking legal recognition](https://apnews.com/article/ecuador-lgbtq-rights-transgender-minors-56bd44cf32e3689196a9a7015d23bea8) 5 MIN READ [![Fayetteville High senior Lily Alder, president of the Young Democrats of Arkansas, is photographed in the halls at Fayetteville High School Tuesday, April, 7, 2026 in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)](https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/a13869c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6620x4413+0+0/resize/599x399!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F9b%2F23%2F37af1eba3c683d60833311a743cc%2F15dfb4f434fe424fb6947c5538ccf7ad)](https://apnews.com/article/turning-point-clubs-high-schools-charlie-kirk-6ff5b410b6c5272e2203b6adac4a198c) [Turning Point USA’s high school push in GOP states meets free speech and religion concerns](https://apnews.com/article/turning-point-clubs-high-schools-charlie-kirk-6ff5b410b6c5272e2203b6adac4a198c) 4 MIN READ [169](https://apnews.com/article/turning-point-clubs-high-schools-charlie-kirk-6ff5b410b6c5272e2203b6adac4a198c) Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Wednesday’s ruling has not been finalized and that his government will continue to watch other pending court cases. Still, the winning streak has raised hopes among the [LGBTQ+](https://apnews.com/hub/lgbtq) community. Plaintiffs cheered outside of the court Wednesday, while their supporters held banners carrying messages such as “Further advance toward marriage equality!” and “No more waiting for legal revision!” Makiko Terahara, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, welcomed the ruling, calling it historic. She and her fellow lawyers in a statement demanded the government immediately take steps “to open the door for marriage equality.” “I felt grateful to be alive when I heard the word ‘unconstitutional’ from the judge,” said Yoko Ogawa, a plaintiff in her 60s. She said she worries about a lack of legal protection for her and her partner as they age, and that “I hope to see progress toward legalization as soon as possible.” Their main obstacle, Japan’s conservative Liberal Democratic Party’s ruling coalition, [lost a parliamentary majority](https://apnews.com/article/japan-ishiba-parliament-election-ldp-opposition-5c6509c7b83963ffe40588c50998967c) in Sunday’s election and is [likely to have to compromise](https://apnews.com/article/japan-parliamentary-election-ishiba-ldp-coalition-opposition-d5c1fd1871f8f357745ef1847ba26c4e) on more liberal policies pushed by the opposition parties such as marriage equality, which is largely supported by the general public. Japan is the [only member of the Group of Seven industrialized countries](https://apnews.com/article/japan-lgbtq-pride7-summit-g7-samesex-marriage-c5dfbfc49a2fca72befde941f642613b) that does not recognize same-sex marriage or provide any other form of legally binding protection for LGBTQ+ couples. Six lawsuits on marriage equality have been filed at five regions across Japan since 2019. LGBTQ+ activists and their supporters have stepped up their efforts, and in 2023, the government adopted a law that is not legally binding that [states discrimination is unacceptable](https://apnews.com/article/japan-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-ruling-unconstitutional-3b3052a7ef21740a51a4215238d9c338). Hundreds of municipalities have issued partnership certificates as a workaround for same-sex couples to lower their hurdles in renting apartments and facing other forms of discrimination, but it does not provide the same legal benefit as heterosexual couples, Wednesday’s ruling said. The court, however, rejected a request by the seven plaintiffs that the government pay them 1 million yen (about \$6,500) each in compensation for damages suffered under the current system that does not recognize them as legally married. On Tuesday, the United Nations women’s rights committee in Geneva published a report that urged the Japanese government to amend civil code to allow an option of allowing married couples to retain separate surnames. It noted that the current law requiring only one surname compels virtually all women to adopt their husband’s surname, another issue also stalled by the LDP for decades. The U.N. committee also urged Japan to revise the male-only succession rule under the Imperial House Law to allow a female emperor. Hayashi called the report “regrettable” and “inappropriate.” He said the imperial succession is a matter of national foundation and that it is not part of constitutional basic rights. \_\_\_ Associated Press video journalist Ayaka McGill contributed to this report. [![MARI YAMAGUCHI](https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/00c1533/2147483647/strip/true/crop/972x972+0+349/resize/100x100!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F9c%2F21%2Fe31600a048b18235abf4f4f1ca46%2Fimg-1754-mari-yamaguchi.jpg)](https://apnews.com/author/mari-yamaguchi) [MARI YAMAGUCHI](https://apnews.com/author/mari-yamaguchi) Yamaguchi is based in Tokyo and covers Japanese politics, security, nuclear energy and social issues for The Associated Press. 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[China raises pressure on underground Catholics to join official church, Human Rights Watch finds](https://apnews.com/article/china-catholics-religious-freedom-pope-leo-f50b3819e9bd1765b18246394cf07dbb) 4 MIN READ [40](https://apnews.com/article/china-catholics-religious-freedom-pope-leo-f50b3819e9bd1765b18246394cf07dbb) [![](https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/bc1ddbf/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2851x1534+0+0/resize/240x129!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F22%2F25%2F9576fafb4e768552fed602a60238%2Fap-pri-wordmarktagline-rgb-dbg.png)](https://apnews.com/) The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day. 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Readable Markdown	[![](https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/f515e21/2147483647/strip/true/crop/972x972+0+349/resize/60x60!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F9c%2F21%2Fe31600a048b18235abf4f4f1ca46%2Fimg-1754-mari-yamaguchi.jpg)](https://apnews.com/author/mari-yamaguchi) Updated 11:58 AM GMT, October 30, 2024 TOKYO (AP) — A second [Japanese](https://apnews.com/hub/japan) high court ruled Wednesday that the government’s policy against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, the latest in a series of decisions upholding plaintiffs’ [demands for marriage equality](https://apnews.com/article/japan-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-lawsuit-bd8eb6d32d3346e0df54436bb6709fe2). The Tokyo High Court called the ongoing ban “a groundless legal discrimination based on sexual orientation,” saying it violates the constitutional guarantee of right to equality, as well as individuals’ dignity and equality between sexes. It was a clearer statement than the 2022 lower court decision that described the situation as “an unconstitutional state.” The [Sapporo High Court ruling in March](https://apnews.com/article/japan-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-ruling-court-f869fa7d2b22bfc1eafcd5d6a7c9d5a2) said not allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same benefits as straight couples violates their fundamental right to equality and freedom of marriage. Wednesday’s ruling is the seventh overall that found the ongoing ban to be unconstitutional or nearly so, against only one district court decision that found it constitutional. The rulings can still be appealed to the Supreme Court. In Wednesday’s ruling, Presiding Judge Sonoe Taniguchi also wrote that the purpose of marriage is not only to produce offspring but also to ensure stable legal status for the partners, and that there is no rational reason to justify excluding same-sex couples. She said there is a shared international consensus against discriminating based on sexual orientation. [![Becky Pepper-Jackson prepares to throw a discus Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, W.VA. (AP Photo/John Raby)](https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/4c25a7c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5712x4284+0+0/resize/599x449!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F68%2F25%2Fb3e2c0a2f02df6f516898523c09c%2F2278343884b54f51a633ebf0bec3a2c6)](https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-transgender-athletes-3121b7b76c44d4973015c3b7ed52a65a) 5 MIN READ [![Displaying a photo of a transperson who died under suspicious circumstances, members of the LGBTQ+ community protest against a decree by the Ministry of Health classifying transgender people as mentally ill, outside the Peruvian embassy in Quito, Ecuador, May 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)](https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/8f4c068/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3063x2041+0+0/resize/599x399!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F8c%2Fcb%2F3c0712a8a0d66b2cad7bbecd24fb%2Fba826ecc63bc4016837ea193f1783880)](https://apnews.com/article/ecuador-lgbtq-rights-transgender-minors-56bd44cf32e3689196a9a7015d23bea8) 5 MIN READ [![Fayetteville High senior Lily Alder, president of the Young Democrats of Arkansas, is photographed in the halls at Fayetteville High School Tuesday, April, 7, 2026 in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)](https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/a13869c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6620x4413+0+0/resize/599x399!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F9b%2F23%2F37af1eba3c683d60833311a743cc%2F15dfb4f434fe424fb6947c5538ccf7ad)](https://apnews.com/article/turning-point-clubs-high-schools-charlie-kirk-6ff5b410b6c5272e2203b6adac4a198c) 4 MIN READ Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Wednesday’s ruling has not been finalized and that his government will continue to watch other pending court cases. Still, the winning streak has raised hopes among the [LGBTQ+](https://apnews.com/hub/lgbtq) community. Plaintiffs cheered outside of the court Wednesday, while their supporters held banners carrying messages such as “Further advance toward marriage equality!” and “No more waiting for legal revision!” Makiko Terahara, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, welcomed the ruling, calling it historic. She and her fellow lawyers in a statement demanded the government immediately take steps “to open the door for marriage equality.” “I felt grateful to be alive when I heard the word ‘unconstitutional’ from the judge,” said Yoko Ogawa, a plaintiff in her 60s. She said she worries about a lack of legal protection for her and her partner as they age, and that “I hope to see progress toward legalization as soon as possible.” Their main obstacle, Japan’s conservative Liberal Democratic Party’s ruling coalition, [lost a parliamentary majority](https://apnews.com/article/japan-ishiba-parliament-election-ldp-opposition-5c6509c7b83963ffe40588c50998967c) in Sunday’s election and is [likely to have to compromise](https://apnews.com/article/japan-parliamentary-election-ishiba-ldp-coalition-opposition-d5c1fd1871f8f357745ef1847ba26c4e) on more liberal policies pushed by the opposition parties such as marriage equality, which is largely supported by the general public. Japan is the [only member of the Group of Seven industrialized countries](https://apnews.com/article/japan-lgbtq-pride7-summit-g7-samesex-marriage-c5dfbfc49a2fca72befde941f642613b) that does not recognize same-sex marriage or provide any other form of legally binding protection for LGBTQ+ couples. Six lawsuits on marriage equality have been filed at five regions across Japan since 2019. LGBTQ+ activists and their supporters have stepped up their efforts, and in 2023, the government adopted a law that is not legally binding that [states discrimination is unacceptable](https://apnews.com/article/japan-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-ruling-unconstitutional-3b3052a7ef21740a51a4215238d9c338). Hundreds of municipalities have issued partnership certificates as a workaround for same-sex couples to lower their hurdles in renting apartments and facing other forms of discrimination, but it does not provide the same legal benefit as heterosexual couples, Wednesday’s ruling said. The court, however, rejected a request by the seven plaintiffs that the government pay them 1 million yen (about \$6,500) each in compensation for damages suffered under the current system that does not recognize them as legally married. On Tuesday, the United Nations women’s rights committee in Geneva published a report that urged the Japanese government to amend civil code to allow an option of allowing married couples to retain separate surnames. It noted that the current law requiring only one surname compels virtually all women to adopt their husband’s surname, another issue also stalled by the LDP for decades. The U.N. committee also urged Japan to revise the male-only succession rule under the Imperial House Law to allow a female emperor. Hayashi called the report “regrettable” and “inappropriate.” He said the imperial succession is a matter of national foundation and that it is not part of constitutional basic rights. \_\_\_ Associated Press video journalist Ayaka McGill contributed to this report.
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