Japan’s First Female Prime Minister: Navigating Same-Sex Marriage and LGBTQ Rights

Introducing Sanae Takaichi

Japan has made history by electing its first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi. As a member of the long-standing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), she brings both promise and controversy to the political landscape of Japan, them.us reports. At 64 years old, Takaichi has earned attention not just for her groundbreaking position but also for her contentious perspectives on the LGBTQ community.

Mixed Messages on LGBTQ Issues

During her campaign, Takaichi publicly claimed, «There should be no prejudice against sexual orientation or gender identity». However, her opposition to same-sex marriage has raised eyebrows among advocates for LGBTQ rights. In a recent debate, she expressed that while having a same-sex partner is «fine», legalising same-sex marriage poses an «extremely difficult issue» given Japan’s constitutional constraints. Article 24 of Japan’s constitution emphasizes marriage as a union based solely on mutual consent between different sexes, complicating any efforts towards equality.

Challenges to Legalising Same-Sex Marriage

If Japan is ever to embrace same-sex marriage, it will necessitate a significant reformation of existing laws or the enactment of new legislation. Takaichi’s conservative stance, rooted in traditional gender roles, raises questions about how seriously she—along with her party—will advocate for the rights of all individuals, including the LGBTQ community. As Japan embarks on this new chapter with its first female prime minister, many will be watching closely to see whether Sanae Takaichi’s administration will prioritise equality and inclusion in its policies.