Is marital surname introduced?

Is marital surname introduced? Feb 20 17:15

If a couple wishes, they can give their last name before marriage.
Although the introduction of the system has been considered for many years, it has not been realized due to opposition from the conservatives. On the other hand, there are signs of change.
We looked for ways to discuss whether the surname should change.
(Hiroto Kogaki, Ministry of Politics)

Attention in "Jad"

"I don't have to get married"

Mr. Tamaki of the National Democratic Party who asked questions at the lower house plenary session last month called for a member of the Liberal Democratic Party to be skipped when he called for the introduction of a selective married surname.

Opposition parties have garnered renewed interest in selective marital surnames in this case, with criticisms such as `` the denial of the constitution's freedom of marriage and an astonishing regression against the times ''. .

The debate has been active, with discussions taking place at the Budget Committee.

"Introduce the system!"

On March 14, civic groups seeking the introduction of the system held a study session in the Diet, with approximately 40 volunteers from the ruling and opposition parties.

Men and women who chose "factual marriage", who did not submit a marriage report, to give their last name before marriage were raised.
"I don't want to change my last name"
"If your last name changes, your career will break."

On the other hand, he argued that if he stayed in "factual marriage," there were many inconveniences.
"Parents still don't recognize me as a formal couple"
"I'm worried that I may not be able to make important decisions about my partner, such as life extension treatment."
"I can't get subsidies for fertility treatment. It's hard not to join my legal marriage."
"I don't want to get married in fact. I'm married because I can't legally marry."

Citizens' organizations have called on members of the ruling and opposition parties to develop legislation to introduce the system.

Voice of "acceptance" increases

Voices admitting the introduction of the system are spreading.

According to a poll conducted three years ago by the Cabinet Office (November to December 2017, targeting 5,000 men and women), 42.5% of the respondents tolerated the legal change required to introduce selective married surnames. That's about 13 points more than 29.3% of opponents.

The survey has changed so much that it cannot be compared simply, but the percentage of people who accept it has been the highest since the survey began in 1996.

In addition, 64.3% of the respondents answered that there was no effect on their family if the couple, parent and child had different last names. Kizuna said that "I think it would weaken" was 31.5%.

Some people have a sense of resistance

However, those who tolerate another name do not seem to do so if they immediately give themselves another name.

Only 19.8% of the respondents in the survey who said that they would "accept the introduction of selective married surnames" want to have their surname before marriage. 47.4% did not want it, less than half.

In addition, 62.6% of the respondents who answered "I think there is an unfavorable effect" for their children if the couple's last name is different, almost double the 32.4% of those who do not.

The Ministry of Justice did not even consider adoption

Given this public opinion, the government has been considering the introduction of selective married surnames.

The Legislative Council, an advisory body to the Minister of Justice, proposed in 1996 the introduction of selective married surnames. In response, the Ministry of Justice prepared a bill this year and in 2010 and aimed for submission to the Diet.

However, all submissions were forgotten.

Opposition was expressed by conservatives who valued the traditional view of the family.

Cautious LDP

The LDP receives support from the "conservatives".

Opinions such as “the family members may be weakened” are persistent within the party, and they have been cautious in introducing selective married surnames. In particular, pledges in the Upper House elections in 2010, when the LDP was an opposition party, stipulated "opposite" to married couples.

Last year's Upper House election pledge did not directly address married couples' surnames.

In a debate held by the leaders of each party hosted by the Japan Press Club on the day before the announcement, a request was made to raise hands in favor of selective marital surname, whereas only Prime Minister Abe did not raise his hand.

Prime Minister Abe of the House of Representatives Budget Committee this month also stated, "People are aware that there are quite a few people who are worried that different couples could adversely affect their children. We would like to listen to the opinions of various groups of the people at large and carefully consider the response while monitoring the debate in the Diet. "

"Family is broken"

So why is there a strong opinion within the LDP against selective married surnames?

Known as a conservative, Eriko Yamatani, a former public safety chairman who filed a petition in 2009 against the introduction of selective married surnames, could break the traditional view of family members if the system is introduced Stressed.

"Although it is optional, recognizing another family name means that the family name of the family will be abolished, and the various cultures and bonds of the family will be destroyed. The family will be divided into individuals I think it's going to be nearly equal (almost the same).

He pointed out that introducing family surnames could lead to a variety of family issues.

"If you allow a surname, you will not know if you are married, married, or your lover. The value of marriage may be reduced and the divorce hurdle may be lower. There are also problems with graves, child welfare, and the family register system.

Signs of change

But the LDP is beginning to show signs of change.

At the beginning of the study session, a civil society group seeking the introduction of the system was attended by four opposition leaders, including former opposition leader Seiko Noda, the representative of the Constitutional Democratic Party, and Mr. Eno, representative of the Constitutional Democratic Party. There are many opinions in favor of this. "

Last month, the Minister of the Environment, Koizumi, who gave birth to her first child, said, "I want to create a society that is easy to live based on the values ​​of each person. The choice is a desirable direction for the social image I think, "he said.

A conservative deputy secretary-general, Inada, also said in a statement about the selective surname of couples this month: "As the birthrate is declining, some people are asking for a surname to succeed their family names. It is important to discuss the issues that have been addressed. "

The parliamentary parliamentary council, led by Inada, will be formed by female volunteer members of the party. In early next month, a citizens' group will be invited to introduce the system, and will receive a request.

"Response by expanding the use of common names"

Mr. Yamatani pointed out that it would be a practical solution to respond to this trend by increasing the use of the maiden name.

"I think that there are people with the idea that 'family names are not required and he belongs to individuals' in the course of the times, but there is room for further devising the use of popular names. I think that if you say "yes" right away, the family as a fundamental unit of society will be in a difficult state, and it is also true that more and more people want to use "nicknames". Wouldn't it be nice to increase its use as a realistic solution? "

Tradition or diversity

The system of giving a couple the same last name began over after a civil law, which was enforced in 1898 during the Meiji era, stipulated that a couple would have the same name by sharing the same house, and has continued for over 100 years. .

On the other hand, with the diversification of values ​​and the increase of only children, more and more people are willing to continue using their last name before marriage. The Ministry of Justice has sometimes stated in a parliament that a country requiring a married couple's surname by law was "except Japan, as long as it is known."

Do you keep the traditional view of family? Or do you recognize diversity?

In December 2015, the Supreme Court stated for the first time that the provisions of the Civil Code that does not allow married couples to violate the Constitution, but pointed out that `` the system should be discussed and decided by the Diet. '' did.

While many political parties have opted to introduce selective marital surnames, the tradition of the LDP, which has been calling for protection, and the "change" that has begun to emerge. I want to keep an eye on where the discussion is going.