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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Justin McCurry in Tokyo

‘We are so far behind’: Japan laments lack of progress on same-sex marriage

Japan LDP Lgbt Tokyo Kyodo Liberal Democratic Party
two people hold hands against a rainbow flag backdrop
The influence of conservative religious groups on the ruling Liberal Democratic party has hindered progress on same-sex marriage in Japan, says advocates. Photograph: KYODO/Reuters

Barely a year has passed since the Tokyo Olympics were promoted as a celebration of diversity. In June, the Japanese capital became the latest city to recognise same-sex partnerships, and recent upper house elections featured a record four candidates from the LGBT community.

Yet Japan’s official resistance to same-sex unions is as fierce as ever.

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