🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 131 (from laksa122)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa131.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://www.huffpost.com/entry/japan-lgbtq-same-sex-marriage_n_65f2e685e4b09953f2f902c4\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.huffpost.com/entry/japan-lgbtq-same-sex-marriage_n_65f2e685e4b09953f2f902c4\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/entry\/japan-lgbtq-same-sex-marriage_n_65f2e685e4b09953f2f902c4","crawl_time":1775731761,"first_indexed_time":1710418289,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,huffpost!www,\/entry\/japan-lgbtq-same-sex-marriage_n_65f2e685e4b09953f2f902c4 s443","src_root_hash":"7163340351271652531","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Japan Court: Denying Same-Sex Marriage Is Unconstitutional | HuffPost Latest News","meta_descriptions":["The court, however, does not have the power to overturn the current marriage law, which has been interpreted to restrict marriage as between a man and a woman."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese high court ruled Thursday that denying same-sex marriage is unconstitutional and called for urgent government action to address the lack of any law allowing for such unions.\nThe court does not have the power to overturn the current marriage law, which has been interpreted to restrict marriage as between a man and a woman. Government offices may continue to deny marriage status to same-sex couples unless the existing law is revised to include\nLGBTQ+\ncouples, or a new law is enacted that allows for other types of unions.\nThe Sapporo High Court ruling said that not allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same benefits as straight couples violates their fundamental right to have a family.\nA lower court issued a similar ruling earlier Thursday, becoming the sixth district court to do so. But the Tokyo District Court ruling was only a\npartial victory for Japan’s LGBTQ+ community\ncalling for equal marriage rights, as it doesn’t change or overturn the current civil union law that describes marriage as between a man and a woman.\nOne of the plaintiffs, in a red and white shirt, center, speaks in front of media members by the main entrance of the Tokyo district court after hearing the ruling regarding LGBTQ+ marriage rights, in Tokyo, on March 14, 2024. The banner reads: \"Marriage Equality and Fulfill it right now!\"\nAP Photo\/Hiro Komae\nFive previous court decisions in various cities said Japan’s policy of denying same-sex marriage is either unconstitutional or nearly so. However, unlike the Sapporo ruling Friday, none of the low-level courts clearly deemed the Japanese government’s existing policy to reject same-sex couples unconstitutional.\nJapan\nis the only member of the Group of Seven nations that still excludes same-sex couples from the right to legally marry and receive spousal benefits.\nSupport for marriage equality\nhas grown among the Japanese public in recent years, but the governing Liberal\nDemocratic Party\n, known for its conservative family values and reluctance to promote gender equality and sexual diversity,\nremains opposed to the campaign\n.\nIn the Tokyo ruling, the court said the right to marry, have a family and enjoy advantages marriage brings — such as tax deductions and social security benefits — are guaranteed for everyone, and that lack of the legal right to same-sex couples deprives them of their basic right.\nThe Tokyo ruling also acknowledged the right for anyone to live based on their sexuality and sexual identity, and the traditional family values and marriage are changing, and equality of same-sex marriage is increasingly accepted in international and corporate communities. The court said the government’s lack of effort to implement legal marriage equality is not unconstitutional, but expressed hope for the parliament to enact a law for same-sex marriage.\nMarriage equality is now recognized in dozens of countries, not only in\nWestern countries like Greece\nand\nthe United States\nbut also in Asia, with\nNepal allowing same-sex marriage registration starting in 2023\n. according to the Marriage for All Japan, a civil group supporting the lawsuits.\nWhile Japan’s conservative government has been criticized as stonewalling diversity, recent surveys show a majority of Japanese back legalizing same-sex marriage. Support among the business community has rapidly increased.\nTokyo enacted an LGBTQ+ awareness promotion law in June that critics said was watered down. The Supreme Court separately ruled that\nJapan’s law requiring compulsory sterilization surgery\nfor transgender people to officially change their gender is unconstitutional.\nThis Moment\nDemands\nTruth.\nYour Support\nFuels\nOur Mission\nYour Support\nFuels\nOur Mission\nSupport HuffPost\nIn a deeply divided country, journalism is a safeguard. Members make it possible to question authority, investigate impact, and protect democratic accountability beyond the headlines.\nWe remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves.\nThank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever.\nWe hope you will join us once again\n.\nWe remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves.\nThank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever.\nWe hope you will join us once again\n.\n“Our fierce, independent reporting and unvarnished perspective hold power to account and inform millions of readers. Please support this hard-hitting journalism.”\nSupport $5\n\/month\nSilver\nMonthly recurring supporter-only email\nFewer requests for financial support\nSupport $10\n\/month\nGold\nEverything in the Silver Tier\nAd-free access on the HuffPost website OR HuffPost apps\nSay goodbye to annoying video interruptions while you read. No more autoplay videos.\nSupport $20\n\/month\nPlatinum\nEverything in the Gold Tier\nAd-free access on the HuffPost website AND HuffPost apps\nEarly access to new features\nMembership to Platinum Club focus group\nMake a One Time Contribution\nJoin HuffPost\nAlready a member?\nLog in to hide these messages.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to Main Content](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/entry\/japan-lgbtq-same-sex-marriage_n_65f2e685e4b09953f2f902c4#main)\n\n×\n\nThis Moment Demands Truth\n\nAt a time when many newsrooms are shrinking, your support is more important than ever. Membership ensures we can keep covering the issues that shape our lives and communities.\n\nSupport \\$10 \/monthRecommended\n\n- Everything in the Silver Tier\n- Ad-free access on the HuffPost website OR HuffPost apps\n\nSupport \\$20 \/month\n\n- Everything in the Gold Tier\n- Ad-free access on the HuffPost website AND HuffPost apps\n\nMake a One Time Contribution\n\n[Join HuffPost](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/support?utm_campaign=tier-text-toaster-web&price_id=60aa25bc-05fd-4404-a5f2-f7516f23fa16)\n\nAlready a member? [Log in to hide these messages.](https:\/\/login.huffpost.com\/login?dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.huffpost.com%2Fentry%2Fjapan-lgbtq-same-sex-marriage_n_65f2e685e4b09953f2f902c4%3Fhp_auth_done%3D1)\n\nMain Menu\n\nU.S. Edition\n\n[News](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/news\/)\n\n[U.S. News](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/news\/us-news)[World News](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/news\/world-news)[Business](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/impact\/business)[Environment](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/impact\/green)[Health](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/section\/health)[Social Justice](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/impact\/topic\/social-justice)[Crime](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/news\/crime)\n\n[Politics](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/news\/politics)\n\n[Congress](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/news\/topic\/us-congress)[Extremism](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/news\/topic\/extremism)\n\n[Opinion](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/section\/opinion)\n\n[Entertainment](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/entertainment\/)\n\n[Culture & Arts](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/entertainment\/arts)[Media](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/news\/media)[Celebrity](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/entertainment\/celebrity)[TV & Film](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/entertainment\/tv)[Sports](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/section\/sports)\n\n[Life](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/life\/)\n\n[Wellness](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/life\/healthy-living)[Travel](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/life\/travel)[Tech](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/life\/technology)[Food & Drink](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/life\/taste)[Style & Beauty](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/life\/style)[Family](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/life\/family)[Relationships](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/life\/relationships)[Money](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/life\/money)[Home & Living](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/life\/huffpost-home)[Work\/Life](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/life\/worklife)[Shopping](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/life\/huffpost-shopping)\n\n[Voices](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/voices\/)\n\n[Black Voices](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/voices\/black-voices)[Queer Voices](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/voices\/queer-voices)[Latino Voices](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/voices\/latino-voices)[Indigenous Voices](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/voices\/indigenous-voices)[Asian Voices](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/voices\/asian-voices)[Women's Voices](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/voices\/womens-voices)[Voices of Disabled People](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/voices\/voices-of-disabled-people)\n\n[HuffPost Personal](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/section\/huffpost-personal)\n\nFor Our Partners\n\n[We Are Golden](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/topic\/2026-olympics)[Spotlight Season](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/entertainment\/topic\/spotlight-season)\n\n[Games](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/games)\n\n[Horoscopes](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/horoscopes)\n\n[Video](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/section\/video)\n\n[Newsletters](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/newsletters)\n\nInternational\n\n[U.S.](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/)[U.K.](https:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/)[España](https:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.es\/)[France](https:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.fr\/)[Ελλάδα (Greece)](https:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.gr\/)[Italia](https:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.it\/)[日本 (Japan)](https:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.jp\/)[한국 (Korea)](https:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.kr\/)\n\nFollow Us\n\n[Terms](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/user-agreement) \\| [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/privacy-policy)\n\nPart of HuffPost World News. ©2026 BuzzFeed, Inc. 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HuffPost reports on the real economy – the one that impacts you.\n\n[Join HuffPost](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/support?utm_campaign=banner-web)\n\nAlready a member? [Log in to hide these messages.](https:\/\/login.huffpost.com\/login?dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.huffpost.com%2Fentry%2Fjapan-lgbtq-same-sex-marriage_n_65f2e685e4b09953f2f902c4%3Fhp_auth_done%3D1)\n\n# Denying Same-Sex Marriage Is Unconstitutional, Japanese High Court Says\nThe court, however, does not have the power to overturn the current marriage law, which has been interpreted to restrict marriage as between a man and a woman.\n\nMari Yamaguchi\n\n![AP logo](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static-assets\/cambria\/app\/images\/partners\/ap.hash-84924a9740fa56f0a31b.png)\n\nMar 14, 2024, 08:09 AM EDT\n\n\\|\n\n**Updated** Mar 14, 2024\n\n41 Comments\n\nLOADINGERROR LOADING\n\n![](https:\/\/img.connatix.com\/f852d3eb-444a-4781-b93d-c9382b952e89\/1_th.jpg?crop=629:354,smart&width=629&height=354&format=jpeg&quality=60&fit=crop)\n\nTOKYO (AP) — A Japanese high court ruled Thursday that denying same-sex marriage is unconstitutional and called for urgent government action to address the lack of any law allowing for such unions.\n\nThe court does not have the power to overturn the current marriage law, which has been interpreted to restrict marriage as between a man and a woman. Government offices may continue to deny marriage status to same-sex couples unless the existing law is revised to include [LGBTQ+](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/lgbtq-legislation) couples, or a new law is enacted that allows for other types of unions.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nThe Sapporo High Court ruling said that not allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same benefits as straight couples violates their fundamental right to have a family.\n\nA lower court issued a similar ruling earlier Thursday, becoming the sixth district court to do so. But the Tokyo District Court ruling was only a [partial victory for Japan’s LGBTQ+ community](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-parliament-lgbtq-awareness-bill-8e8ed90200d275a870b1c1bb0c19a9ea) calling for equal marriage rights, as it doesn’t change or overturn the current civil union law that describes marriage as between a man and a woman.\n\n![One of the plaintiffs, in a red and white shirt, center, speaks in front of media members by the main entrance of the Tokyo district court after hearing the ruling regarding LGBTQ+ marriage rights, in Tokyo, on March 14, 2024. The banner reads: \"Marriage Equality and Fulfill it right now!\"](https:\/\/img.huffingtonpost.com\/asset\/65f2e82b2300003500656df3.jpeg?cache=3MUcsImmJI&ops=scalefit_720_noupscale)\n\nOne of the plaintiffs, in a red and white shirt, center, speaks in front of media members by the main entrance of the Tokyo district court after hearing the ruling regarding LGBTQ+ marriage rights, in Tokyo, on March 14, 2024. The banner reads: \"Marriage Equality and Fulfill it right now!\"\n\nAP Photo\/Hiro Komae\n\nAdvertisement\n\nFive previous court decisions in various cities said Japan’s policy of denying same-sex marriage is either unconstitutional or nearly so. However, unlike the Sapporo ruling Friday, none of the low-level courts clearly deemed the Japanese government’s existing policy to reject same-sex couples unconstitutional.\n\n[Japan](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/japan) is the only member of the Group of Seven nations that still excludes same-sex couples from the right to legally marry and receive spousal benefits.\n\n[Support for marriage equality](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-government-fumio-kishida-lgbtq-people-73e1f64794f4966875b66869c58e2d95) has grown among the Japanese public in recent years, but the governing Liberal [Democratic Party](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/news\/topic\/democratic-party), known for its conservative family values and reluctance to promote gender equality and sexual diversity, [remains opposed to the campaign](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-kishida-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-discrimination-43baf7af74baf0d8b908124b19eabf0e).\n\nAdvertisement\n\nIn the Tokyo ruling, the court said the right to marry, have a family and enjoy advantages marriage brings — such as tax deductions and social security benefits — are guaranteed for everyone, and that lack of the legal right to same-sex couples deprives them of their basic right.\n\nThe Tokyo ruling also acknowledged the right for anyone to live based on their sexuality and sexual identity, and the traditional family values and marriage are changing, and equality of same-sex marriage is increasingly accepted in international and corporate communities. The court said the government’s lack of effort to implement legal marriage equality is not unconstitutional, but expressed hope for the parliament to enact a law for same-sex marriage.\n\nMarriage equality is now recognized in dozens of countries, not only in [Western countries like Greece](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/greece-same-sex-marriage-law-parliament-church-5be190dd6a7628d7a057be683256b8c2) and [the United States](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/biden-politics-marriage-united-states-government-virginia-state-4968ff59107e511609fc3e301890942e) but also in Asia, with [Nepal allowing same-sex marriage registration starting in 2023](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/nepal-lgbtq-same-sex-marriage-gay-7c350e8a2be4587ff560fb992b45df3f). according to the Marriage for All Japan, a civil group supporting the lawsuits.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nWhile Japan’s conservative government has been criticized as stonewalling diversity, recent surveys show a majority of Japanese back legalizing same-sex marriage. Support among the business community has rapidly increased.\n\nTokyo enacted an LGBTQ+ awareness promotion law in June that critics said was watered down. The Supreme Court separately ruled that [Japan’s law requiring compulsory sterilization surgery](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-lgbtq-transgender-ruling-gender-change-decdbdca9c8dd3658ae86b63ec40c53d) for transgender people to officially change their gender is unconstitutional.\n\nThis MomentDemandsTruth.\n\nYour SupportFuelsOur Mission\n\nYour SupportFuelsOur Mission\n\nSupport HuffPost\n\nIn a deeply divided country, journalism is a safeguard. Members make it possible to question authority, investigate impact, and protect democratic accountability beyond the headlines.\n\nWe remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves.\n\nThank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever. [We hope you will join us once again](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/support).\n\nWe remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves.\n\nThank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever. [We hope you will join us once again](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/support).\n\n“Our fierce, independent reporting and unvarnished perspective hold power to account and inform millions of readers. Please support this hard-hitting journalism.”\n\n![Whitney Snyder](https:\/\/img.huffingtonpost.com\/asset\/691c87541700009d2b9c5f37.jpg?ops=300_300)\n\nWhitney SnyderEditor-in-Chief HuffPost\n\nMonthly\n\nAnnuallySAVE 16%\n\nSupport \\$5\/month\n\nSilver\n\n- Monthly recurring supporter-only email\n- Fewer requests for financial support\n\nSupport \\$10\/month\n\nGold\n\n- Everything in the Silver Tier\n- Ad-free access on the HuffPost website OR HuffPost apps\n- Say goodbye to annoying video interruptions while you read. No more autoplay videos.\n\nSupport \\$20\/month\n\nPlatinum\n\n- Everything in the Gold Tier\n- Ad-free access on the HuffPost website AND HuffPost apps\n- Early access to new features\n- Membership to Platinum Club focus group\n\nMake a One Time Contribution\n\n[Join HuffPost](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/payment-recurring?utm_campaign=end-of-article-web&price_id=60aa25bc-05fd-4404-a5f2-f7516f23fa16)\n\nAlready a member? [Log in to hide these messages.](https:\/\/login.huffpost.com\/login?dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.huffpost.com%2Fentry%2Fjapan-lgbtq-same-sex-marriage_n_65f2e685e4b09953f2f902c4%3Fhp_auth_done%3D1)\n\nAdvertisement\n\n## Related\n### [LGBTQ](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/voices\/topic\/queer-life)\n### [Japan](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/news\/topic\/japan)\n\n[10 Years After Marriage Equality, Queer Couples Are Worried![](https:\/\/img.huffingtonpost.com\/asset\/685d6e7b190000a73d8822cb.jpg?cache=nOl0jh4x4G&ops=210_120)](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/entry\/10-years-after-obergefell-lgbtq-couples-wrestle-with-new-fears_n_685cb75fe4b02f1b49a85c36?origin=article-related-nonlife)\n\n[The Closed-Door Supreme Court Meeting That Everyone Should Be Paying Attention To![](https:\/\/img.huffingtonpost.com\/asset\/690cf9b52300004b95be276d.jpeg?cache=QE9ZoyzVLx&ops=210_120)](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/entry\/kentucky-clerk-kim-davis-gay-marriage-supreme-court_n_690cf7bee4b027afb322b9f7?origin=article-related-nonlife)\n\n[The Supreme Court Just Tossed Several Rulings That Favored Trans Americans![](https:\/\/img.huffingtonpost.com\/asset\/6811154a140000140010ec09.jpg?cache=lvFJ3FHuJ2&ops=210_120)](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/entry\/supreme-court-asks-lower-courts-to-revisit-decisions-favoring-trans-americans_n_68645c79e4b06a831253fce3?origin=article-related-nonlife)\n\n[Go to Homepage](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/)\n\nView 41 Comments\n\nSuggest a correction\n\n\\|\n\n[Submit a tip](https:\/\/tips.huffpost.com\/)\n\nAdvertisement\n\n## From Our Partner\n\n## From Our Partner\nHuffPost Shopping's  \nBest Finds\n\nON THIS DAY IN  \nHUFFINGTON POST HISTORY\n\nApril 9\n\nWorld News\n\n[Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth's Husband And Duke Of Edinburgh, Dies At 99](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/entry\/prince-philip-dead-dies_n_585bf12ee4b0d9a594574c1f)\n\n2021\n\nWorld News\n\n[In France, A Nail-Biting Election As Macron's Rival Surges](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/entry\/france-election-macron_n_625196a9e4b052d2bd553859)\n\n2022\n\nPolitics\n\n[Arizona Supreme Court Rules State Can Enforce 1864 Law Criminalizing Almost All Abortions](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/entry\/arizona-supreme-court-abortion-law_n_661579b6e4b07b7205f16f94)\n\n2024\n\nFAIR, FEARLESS REPORTING  \nSINCE 2005\n\n[Support HuffPost](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/support)\n\nNewsletter Sign Up\n\nThe Morning Email\n\nWake up to the day's most important news. 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You are also agreeing to our [Terms of Service](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/user-agreement) and [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/privacy-policy).\n\nClose\n\nTrending In World News\n\nMore In World News\n\n[NEWS](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/news\/)[POLITICS](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/news\/politics)[ENTERTAINMENT](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/entertainment\/)[LIFE](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/life\/)[VOICES](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/voices\/)[HUFFPOST PERSONAL](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/section\/huffpost-personal)[SHOPPING](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/life\/huffpost-shopping)[NEWSLETTERS](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/newsletters)\n\n[About Us](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/about-us)[Advertise](https:\/\/advertise.buzzfeed.com\/)[Contact Us](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/contact-us)[RSS](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/syndication)[FAQ](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/faq)[Careers](https:\/\/www.buzzfeed.com\/about\/jobs)[User Agreement](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/user-agreement)[Comment Policy](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/comment-policy)[DMCA Policy](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/huffpost-dmca-copyright-policy)[Accessibility Statement](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/accessibility-statement)[Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/privacy-policy)[Consent Preferences](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/consent-preferences)\n\nPrivacy Settings\n\nPart of HuffPost World News. ©2026 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved.\n\nThe Huffington Post\n\n![](https:\/\/sb.scorecardresearch.com\/p?c1=2&c2=6723616&c3=&c4=&c5=&c6=&c15=&cj=1)","attrs_readable_markdown":"TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese high court ruled Thursday that denying same-sex marriage is unconstitutional and called for urgent government action to address the lack of any law allowing for such unions.\n\nThe court does not have the power to overturn the current marriage law, which has been interpreted to restrict marriage as between a man and a woman. Government offices may continue to deny marriage status to same-sex couples unless the existing law is revised to include [LGBTQ+](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/lgbtq-legislation) couples, or a new law is enacted that allows for other types of unions.\n\nThe Sapporo High Court ruling said that not allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same benefits as straight couples violates their fundamental right to have a family.\n\nA lower court issued a similar ruling earlier Thursday, becoming the sixth district court to do so. But the Tokyo District Court ruling was only a [partial victory for Japan’s LGBTQ+ community](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-parliament-lgbtq-awareness-bill-8e8ed90200d275a870b1c1bb0c19a9ea) calling for equal marriage rights, as it doesn’t change or overturn the current civil union law that describes marriage as between a man and a woman.\n\n![One of the plaintiffs, in a red and white shirt, center, speaks in front of media members by the main entrance of the Tokyo district court after hearing the ruling regarding LGBTQ+ marriage rights, in Tokyo, on March 14, 2024. The banner reads: \"Marriage Equality and Fulfill it right now!\"](https:\/\/img.huffingtonpost.com\/asset\/65f2e82b2300003500656df3.jpeg?cache=3MUcsImmJI&ops=scalefit_720_noupscale)\n\nOne of the plaintiffs, in a red and white shirt, center, speaks in front of media members by the main entrance of the Tokyo district court after hearing the ruling regarding LGBTQ+ marriage rights, in Tokyo, on March 14, 2024. The banner reads: \"Marriage Equality and Fulfill it right now!\"\n\nAP Photo\/Hiro Komae\n\nFive previous court decisions in various cities said Japan’s policy of denying same-sex marriage is either unconstitutional or nearly so. However, unlike the Sapporo ruling Friday, none of the low-level courts clearly deemed the Japanese government’s existing policy to reject same-sex couples unconstitutional.\n\n[Japan](https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/japan) is the only member of the Group of Seven nations that still excludes same-sex couples from the right to legally marry and receive spousal benefits.\n\n[Support for marriage equality](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-government-fumio-kishida-lgbtq-people-73e1f64794f4966875b66869c58e2d95) has grown among the Japanese public in recent years, but the governing Liberal [Democratic Party](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/news\/topic\/democratic-party), known for its conservative family values and reluctance to promote gender equality and sexual diversity, [remains opposed to the campaign](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-kishida-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-discrimination-43baf7af74baf0d8b908124b19eabf0e).\n\nIn the Tokyo ruling, the court said the right to marry, have a family and enjoy advantages marriage brings — such as tax deductions and social security benefits — are guaranteed for everyone, and that lack of the legal right to same-sex couples deprives them of their basic right.\n\nThe Tokyo ruling also acknowledged the right for anyone to live based on their sexuality and sexual identity, and the traditional family values and marriage are changing, and equality of same-sex marriage is increasingly accepted in international and corporate communities. The court said the government’s lack of effort to implement legal marriage equality is not unconstitutional, but expressed hope for the parliament to enact a law for same-sex marriage.\n\nMarriage equality is now recognized in dozens of countries, not only in [Western countries like Greece](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/greece-same-sex-marriage-law-parliament-church-5be190dd6a7628d7a057be683256b8c2) and [the United States](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/biden-politics-marriage-united-states-government-virginia-state-4968ff59107e511609fc3e301890942e) but also in Asia, with [Nepal allowing same-sex marriage registration starting in 2023](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/nepal-lgbtq-same-sex-marriage-gay-7c350e8a2be4587ff560fb992b45df3f). according to the Marriage for All Japan, a civil group supporting the lawsuits.\n\nWhile Japan’s conservative government has been criticized as stonewalling diversity, recent surveys show a majority of Japanese back legalizing same-sex marriage. Support among the business community has rapidly increased.\n\nTokyo enacted an LGBTQ+ awareness promotion law in June that critics said was watered down. The Supreme Court separately ruled that [Japan’s law requiring compulsory sterilization surgery](https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/japan-lgbtq-transgender-ruling-gender-change-decdbdca9c8dd3658ae86b63ec40c53d) for transgender people to officially change their gender is unconstitutional.\n\nThis MomentDemandsTruth.\n\nYour SupportFuelsOur Mission\n\nYour SupportFuelsOur Mission\n\nSupport HuffPost\n\nIn a deeply divided country, journalism is a safeguard. Members make it possible to question authority, investigate impact, and protect democratic accountability beyond the headlines.\n\nWe remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves.\n\nThank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! 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Boilerpipe Text	TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese high court ruled Thursday that denying same-sex marriage is unconstitutional and called for urgent government action to address the lack of any law allowing for such unions. The court does not have the power to overturn the current marriage law, which has been interpreted to restrict marriage as between a man and a woman. Government offices may continue to deny marriage status to same-sex couples unless the existing law is revised to include LGBTQ+ couples, or a new law is enacted that allows for other types of unions. The Sapporo High Court ruling said that not allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same benefits as straight couples violates their fundamental right to have a family. A lower court issued a similar ruling earlier Thursday, becoming the sixth district court to do so. But the Tokyo District Court ruling was only a partial victory for Japan’s LGBTQ+ community calling for equal marriage rights, as it doesn’t change or overturn the current civil union law that describes marriage as between a man and a woman. One of the plaintiffs, in a red and white shirt, center, speaks in front of media members by the main entrance of the Tokyo district court after hearing the ruling regarding LGBTQ+ marriage rights, in Tokyo, on March 14, 2024. The banner reads: "Marriage Equality and Fulfill it right now!" AP Photo/Hiro Komae Five previous court decisions in various cities said Japan’s policy of denying same-sex marriage is either unconstitutional or nearly so. However, unlike the Sapporo ruling Friday, none of the low-level courts clearly deemed the Japanese government’s existing policy to reject same-sex couples unconstitutional. Japan is the only member of the Group of Seven nations that still excludes same-sex couples from the right to legally marry and receive spousal benefits. Support for marriage equality has grown among the Japanese public in recent years, but the governing Liberal Democratic Party , known for its conservative family values and reluctance to promote gender equality and sexual diversity, remains opposed to the campaign . In the Tokyo ruling, the court said the right to marry, have a family and enjoy advantages marriage brings — such as tax deductions and social security benefits — are guaranteed for everyone, and that lack of the legal right to same-sex couples deprives them of their basic right. The Tokyo ruling also acknowledged the right for anyone to live based on their sexuality and sexual identity, and the traditional family values and marriage are changing, and equality of same-sex marriage is increasingly accepted in international and corporate communities. The court said the government’s lack of effort to implement legal marriage equality is not unconstitutional, but expressed hope for the parliament to enact a law for same-sex marriage. Marriage equality is now recognized in dozens of countries, not only in Western countries like Greece and the United States but also in Asia, with Nepal allowing same-sex marriage registration starting in 2023 . according to the Marriage for All Japan, a civil group supporting the lawsuits. While Japan’s conservative government has been criticized as stonewalling diversity, recent surveys show a majority of Japanese back legalizing same-sex marriage. Support among the business community has rapidly increased. Tokyo enacted an LGBTQ+ awareness promotion law in June that critics said was watered down. The Supreme Court separately ruled that Japan’s law requiring compulsory sterilization surgery for transgender people to officially change their gender is unconstitutional. This Moment Demands Truth. Your Support Fuels Our Mission Your Support Fuels Our Mission Support HuffPost In a deeply divided country, journalism is a safeguard. Members make it possible to question authority, investigate impact, and protect democratic accountability beyond the headlines. We remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves. Thank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever. We hope you will join us once again . We remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves. Thank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever. We hope you will join us once again . “Our fierce, independent reporting and unvarnished perspective hold power to account and inform millions of readers. Please support this hard-hitting journalism.” Support $5 /month Silver Monthly recurring supporter-only email Fewer requests for financial support Support $10 /month Gold Everything in the Silver Tier Ad-free access on the HuffPost website OR HuffPost apps Say goodbye to annoying video interruptions while you read. No more autoplay videos. Support $20 /month Platinum Everything in the Gold Tier Ad-free access on the HuffPost website AND HuffPost apps Early access to new features Membership to Platinum Club focus group Make a One Time Contribution Join HuffPost Already a member? Log in to hide these messages.
Markdown	[Skip to Main Content](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/japan-lgbtq-same-sex-marriage_n_65f2e685e4b09953f2f902c4#main) × This Moment Demands Truth At a time when many newsrooms are shrinking, your support is more important than ever. Membership ensures we can keep covering the issues that shape our lives and communities. Support \$10 /monthRecommended - Everything in the Silver Tier - Ad-free access on the HuffPost website OR HuffPost apps Support \$20 /month - Everything in the Gold Tier - Ad-free access on the HuffPost website AND HuffPost apps Make a One Time Contribution [Join HuffPost](https://www.huffpost.com/support?utm_campaign=tier-text-toaster-web&price_id=60aa25bc-05fd-4404-a5f2-f7516f23fa16) Already a member? 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HuffPost reports on the real economy – the one that impacts you. [Join HuffPost](https://www.huffpost.com/support?utm_campaign=banner-web) Already a member? [Log in to hide these messages.](https://login.huffpost.com/login?dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.huffpost.com%2Fentry%2Fjapan-lgbtq-same-sex-marriage_n_65f2e685e4b09953f2f902c4%3Fhp_auth_done%3D1) # Denying Same-Sex Marriage Is Unconstitutional, Japanese High Court Says The court, however, does not have the power to overturn the current marriage law, which has been interpreted to restrict marriage as between a man and a woman. Mari Yamaguchi ![AP logo](https://www.huffpost.com/static-assets/cambria/app/images/partners/ap.hash-84924a9740fa56f0a31b.png) Mar 14, 2024, 08:09 AM EDT \\| Updated Mar 14, 2024 41 Comments LOADINGERROR LOADING ![](https://img.connatix.com/f852d3eb-444a-4781-b93d-c9382b952e89/1_th.jpg?crop=629:354,smart&width=629&height=354&format=jpeg&quality=60&fit=crop) TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese high court ruled Thursday that denying same-sex marriage is unconstitutional and called for urgent government action to address the lack of any law allowing for such unions. The court does not have the power to overturn the current marriage law, which has been interpreted to restrict marriage as between a man and a woman. Government offices may continue to deny marriage status to same-sex couples unless the existing law is revised to include [LGBTQ+](https://apnews.com/hub/lgbtq-legislation) couples, or a new law is enacted that allows for other types of unions. Advertisement The Sapporo High Court ruling said that not allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same benefits as straight couples violates their fundamental right to have a family. A lower court issued a similar ruling earlier Thursday, becoming the sixth district court to do so. But the Tokyo District Court ruling was only a [partial victory for Japan’s LGBTQ+ community](https://apnews.com/article/japan-parliament-lgbtq-awareness-bill-8e8ed90200d275a870b1c1bb0c19a9ea) calling for equal marriage rights, as it doesn’t change or overturn the current civil union law that describes marriage as between a man and a woman. ![One of the plaintiffs, in a red and white shirt, center, speaks in front of media members by the main entrance of the Tokyo district court after hearing the ruling regarding LGBTQ+ marriage rights, in Tokyo, on March 14, 2024. The banner reads: "Marriage Equality and Fulfill it right now!"](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/65f2e82b2300003500656df3.jpeg?cache=3MUcsImmJI&ops=scalefit_720_noupscale) One of the plaintiffs, in a red and white shirt, center, speaks in front of media members by the main entrance of the Tokyo district court after hearing the ruling regarding LGBTQ+ marriage rights, in Tokyo, on March 14, 2024. The banner reads: "Marriage Equality and Fulfill it right now!" AP Photo/Hiro Komae Advertisement Five previous court decisions in various cities said Japan’s policy of denying same-sex marriage is either unconstitutional or nearly so. However, unlike the Sapporo ruling Friday, none of the low-level courts clearly deemed the Japanese government’s existing policy to reject same-sex couples unconstitutional. [Japan](https://apnews.com/hub/japan) is the only member of the Group of Seven nations that still excludes same-sex couples from the right to legally marry and receive spousal benefits. [Support for marriage equality](https://apnews.com/article/japan-government-fumio-kishida-lgbtq-people-73e1f64794f4966875b66869c58e2d95) has grown among the Japanese public in recent years, but the governing Liberal [Democratic Party](https://www.huffpost.com/news/topic/democratic-party), known for its conservative family values and reluctance to promote gender equality and sexual diversity, [remains opposed to the campaign](https://apnews.com/article/japan-kishida-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-discrimination-43baf7af74baf0d8b908124b19eabf0e). Advertisement In the Tokyo ruling, the court said the right to marry, have a family and enjoy advantages marriage brings — such as tax deductions and social security benefits — are guaranteed for everyone, and that lack of the legal right to same-sex couples deprives them of their basic right. The Tokyo ruling also acknowledged the right for anyone to live based on their sexuality and sexual identity, and the traditional family values and marriage are changing, and equality of same-sex marriage is increasingly accepted in international and corporate communities. The court said the government’s lack of effort to implement legal marriage equality is not unconstitutional, but expressed hope for the parliament to enact a law for same-sex marriage. Marriage equality is now recognized in dozens of countries, not only in [Western countries like Greece](https://apnews.com/article/greece-same-sex-marriage-law-parliament-church-5be190dd6a7628d7a057be683256b8c2) and [the United States](https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-marriage-united-states-government-virginia-state-4968ff59107e511609fc3e301890942e) but also in Asia, with [Nepal allowing same-sex marriage registration starting in 2023](https://apnews.com/article/nepal-lgbtq-same-sex-marriage-gay-7c350e8a2be4587ff560fb992b45df3f). according to the Marriage for All Japan, a civil group supporting the lawsuits. Advertisement While Japan’s conservative government has been criticized as stonewalling diversity, recent surveys show a majority of Japanese back legalizing same-sex marriage. Support among the business community has rapidly increased. Tokyo enacted an LGBTQ+ awareness promotion law in June that critics said was watered down. The Supreme Court separately ruled that [Japan’s law requiring compulsory sterilization surgery](https://apnews.com/article/japan-lgbtq-transgender-ruling-gender-change-decdbdca9c8dd3658ae86b63ec40c53d) for transgender people to officially change their gender is unconstitutional. This MomentDemandsTruth. Your SupportFuelsOur Mission Your SupportFuelsOur Mission Support HuffPost In a deeply divided country, journalism is a safeguard. Members make it possible to question authority, investigate impact, and protect democratic accountability beyond the headlines. We remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves. Thank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever. [We hope you will join us once again](https://www.huffpost.com/support). 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Readable Markdown	TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese high court ruled Thursday that denying same-sex marriage is unconstitutional and called for urgent government action to address the lack of any law allowing for such unions. The court does not have the power to overturn the current marriage law, which has been interpreted to restrict marriage as between a man and a woman. Government offices may continue to deny marriage status to same-sex couples unless the existing law is revised to include [LGBTQ+](https://apnews.com/hub/lgbtq-legislation) couples, or a new law is enacted that allows for other types of unions. The Sapporo High Court ruling said that not allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same benefits as straight couples violates their fundamental right to have a family. A lower court issued a similar ruling earlier Thursday, becoming the sixth district court to do so. But the Tokyo District Court ruling was only a [partial victory for Japan’s LGBTQ+ community](https://apnews.com/article/japan-parliament-lgbtq-awareness-bill-8e8ed90200d275a870b1c1bb0c19a9ea) calling for equal marriage rights, as it doesn’t change or overturn the current civil union law that describes marriage as between a man and a woman. ![One of the plaintiffs, in a red and white shirt, center, speaks in front of media members by the main entrance of the Tokyo district court after hearing the ruling regarding LGBTQ+ marriage rights, in Tokyo, on March 14, 2024. The banner reads: "Marriage Equality and Fulfill it right now!"](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/65f2e82b2300003500656df3.jpeg?cache=3MUcsImmJI&ops=scalefit_720_noupscale) One of the plaintiffs, in a red and white shirt, center, speaks in front of media members by the main entrance of the Tokyo district court after hearing the ruling regarding LGBTQ+ marriage rights, in Tokyo, on March 14, 2024. The banner reads: "Marriage Equality and Fulfill it right now!" AP Photo/Hiro Komae Five previous court decisions in various cities said Japan’s policy of denying same-sex marriage is either unconstitutional or nearly so. However, unlike the Sapporo ruling Friday, none of the low-level courts clearly deemed the Japanese government’s existing policy to reject same-sex couples unconstitutional. [Japan](https://apnews.com/hub/japan) is the only member of the Group of Seven nations that still excludes same-sex couples from the right to legally marry and receive spousal benefits. [Support for marriage equality](https://apnews.com/article/japan-government-fumio-kishida-lgbtq-people-73e1f64794f4966875b66869c58e2d95) has grown among the Japanese public in recent years, but the governing Liberal [Democratic Party](https://www.huffpost.com/news/topic/democratic-party), known for its conservative family values and reluctance to promote gender equality and sexual diversity, [remains opposed to the campaign](https://apnews.com/article/japan-kishida-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-discrimination-43baf7af74baf0d8b908124b19eabf0e). In the Tokyo ruling, the court said the right to marry, have a family and enjoy advantages marriage brings — such as tax deductions and social security benefits — are guaranteed for everyone, and that lack of the legal right to same-sex couples deprives them of their basic right. The Tokyo ruling also acknowledged the right for anyone to live based on their sexuality and sexual identity, and the traditional family values and marriage are changing, and equality of same-sex marriage is increasingly accepted in international and corporate communities. The court said the government’s lack of effort to implement legal marriage equality is not unconstitutional, but expressed hope for the parliament to enact a law for same-sex marriage. Marriage equality is now recognized in dozens of countries, not only in [Western countries like Greece](https://apnews.com/article/greece-same-sex-marriage-law-parliament-church-5be190dd6a7628d7a057be683256b8c2) and [the United States](https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-marriage-united-states-government-virginia-state-4968ff59107e511609fc3e301890942e) but also in Asia, with [Nepal allowing same-sex marriage registration starting in 2023](https://apnews.com/article/nepal-lgbtq-same-sex-marriage-gay-7c350e8a2be4587ff560fb992b45df3f). according to the Marriage for All Japan, a civil group supporting the lawsuits. While Japan’s conservative government has been criticized as stonewalling diversity, recent surveys show a majority of Japanese back legalizing same-sex marriage. Support among the business community has rapidly increased. Tokyo enacted an LGBTQ+ awareness promotion law in June that critics said was watered down. The Supreme Court separately ruled that [Japan’s law requiring compulsory sterilization surgery](https://apnews.com/article/japan-lgbtq-transgender-ruling-gender-change-decdbdca9c8dd3658ae86b63ec40c53d) for transgender people to officially change their gender is unconstitutional. This MomentDemandsTruth. Your SupportFuelsOur Mission Your SupportFuelsOur Mission Support HuffPost In a deeply divided country, journalism is a safeguard. Members make it possible to question authority, investigate impact, and protect democratic accountability beyond the headlines. We remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves. Thank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever. [We hope you will join us once again](https://www.huffpost.com/support). 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