Nintendo recognises same-sex partnerships in Japan after court rules equal marriage ‘unconstitutional’

Jul 13, 2022 | News On Japan

Jul 13, 2022 (pinknews.co.uk) - In a 1-UP for LGBTQ+ rights, Nintendo is giving queer employees in same-sex partnerships in Japan the same benefits as married couples.

Same-sex marriage is illegal in Japan, with same-sex couples only able to obtain ‘partnership certificates’ in certain areas of the country giving them limited rights – not including inheritance or shared parental rights.

Despite this, Nintendo has said will give couples in same-sex partnerships exactly the same benefits it affords married employees.

“Although same-sex marriages are not currently recognised under Japanese law, this system ensures employees who are in a domestic partnership with a same-sex partner have the same benefits as employees in an opposite-sex marriage,” a new policy document explains.

The company said its “partnership system” aims to “create a work environment that supports and empowers each and every one of our unique employees”.

Nintendo also plans to revise its internal regulations “regarding harassment to clearly prohibit discriminatory comments based on sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as disclosing someone’s privately held sexual orientation against their will.”

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