In a class action lawsuit filed by couples of the same sex nationwide that it is unreasonable to not allow marriage between the same sex, the second judgment will be handed down in the Osaka District Court on the 20th.

Last year, the Sapporo District Court ruled that the first decision violated the constitution that stipulates equality before the law, and it will be watched whether similar judicial decisions will continue.

Five class lawsuits nationwide seeking compensation from the state for violating the constitution that stipulates freedom of marriage and equality before the law for same-sex couples nationwide that the law does not allow same-sex marriage I'm awakening to the court.



Of these, three couples living in the Kansai and Kagawa prefectures of the Osaka District Court insisted that "it is unreasonable and cruel that the relationship between the same sex is not guaranteed even though the life is the same as that of a couple of the opposite sex." The judgment of the court in question will be handed down on the afternoon of the 20th.



In a series of class proceedings, the Sapporo District Court, which was the first decision, rejected the claim for compensation to the government in March last year, but said that it was "discriminatory treatment without rational grounds" and equality before the law. It shows the judgment that it violates the constitution that stipulates.



While the government insists that "the constitution does not assume marriage between the same sex", attention is paid to whether the Osaka District Court, which gives the second judgment, decides that it is unconstitutional again or that it does not violate the constitution. increase.

The plaintiff's couple

One of the plaintiffs, Akizen Tanaka (44) and Yuki Kawada (37) from Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture, urged that the couple recognize their natural rights in order to continue living together. I am.

Same-sex couples “without various rights”

Although they submitted a marriage registration to Mitoyo City Hall three years ago, they were not accepted because they were men, and even now, after 15 years of living together, they are not recognized as legal couples.



For this reason, there are no rights guaranteed when the opposite sex gets married, such as survivor's pension, spouse deduction, and inheritance of heritage.



Since the two people's homes are in the name of Mr. Tanaka who purchased them, if Mr. Tanaka dies, it is necessary to prepare Mr. Tanaka's will in advance in order for Mr. Kawada to take over, and it will be accepted by the spouse. You will not receive any tax incentives.



In addition, if one of them is transported by emergency, some hospitals may not be recognized as a family member and may not be able to visit or consent to surgery.



Mr. Tanaka, who is seven years older than Mr. Kawada, said, "There is a way to sign a contract in case one of them dies, but it is difficult to identify all the items in life and make arrangements. It is really difficult to clear each one after facing various problems, so I wanted to appeal now. "

There is also a movement that will be a tailwind for the two plaintiffs

On the other hand, there are also movements that will be a tailwind for the two.



Although the local city of Mitoyo did not accept the marriage registration of the two, the person in charge at the site worked with the mayor and introduced a partnership system that recognizes same-sex couples as a marriage relationship for the first time in Shikoku.



Although the system is not legally binding, there are views from the surroundings, such as receiving blessings from acquaintances and voices supporting the trial after the two are recognized as the first marriage relationship as the first certification. It is said that it has changed.



Along with the trial, the two who gave lectures to deepen their understanding of sexual minorities could not confide their relationship with their partners because they were concerned about their relationships with their neighbors and relatives, and they felt lonely. The voices of the parties and families who strengthen the situation have been received.



The two hope that through this trial, if the country allows the marriage of same-sex couples by law, the consciousness of society as a whole will gradually change.



Mr. Tanaka said, "If marriage between the same sex becomes a commonplace world, I think that it will be a situation where we do not have to carry out educational activities. Since we are left behind for a long time, we have prepared a normal system properly. I want it. "



In addition, Mr. Kawada says, "Marriage is a natural right for couples of men and women, so we also want the right to live as a matter of course."