LGBT rights in Chisei

From Ordic Encyclopedia
Chisei
StatusNever criminalised.
Gender identityChange of legal gender allowed since 1991.
MilitaryGays and lesbians allowed to serve openly
Discrimination protectionsSexual orientation and gender identity protections
Family rights
Recognition of relationshipsSame-sex marriage legalised in 1975.
AdoptionAdoption by same-sex couples legalised in 1975.

Terminology

Modern Chiseian terms for LGBT people include dōseiaisha (同性愛者, literally "same-sex-love person") and henseisha (abbreviation of henkaseibetsusha 変化性別者, "changing-sex-person"). There are no specific terms distinguishing between gay, lesbian and bisexual people, though more recently foreign loanwards such gei (ゲイ, "gay") and rezubian (レズビアン, "lesbian") have become quite widespread.

Legality of same-sexual activity

Chisei has never formally criminalised homosexual activity, and homosexual/homoromantic relationships have even traditionally been normalised in some sectors of society, particularly among the elite, such as the practice of wakashūdō, popular among 16th century nobility, wherein an older male noble would engage in shows of romantic affection, and sometimes sex, with a apprentice or younger retainer. However, wider social tolerance towards such practices has varied for those outside the elite, as well as for women and GNC individuals.

Recognition of same-sex relationships

While same-sex activity itself has a long history in Chisei, such relationships have traditionally been seen as distinct from 'true' marriage between men and women, and same-sex couples were not able to legally marry until 1975, when such marriages were legalised by the Supreme Constitutional Court of the Shihōin.

Discrimination protections

Adoption and parenting

Gender identity and expression

The 1991 Sex Discrimination Act introduced a provision legalising the changing of legal gender. In 2017, the Shirakawan National Court ruled that regional offices must approve applications from those with a medical diagnosis of dysphoria under the terms of the 1991 Act, and that specific justifications for denial should be provided by magistrates on other unsuccessful applications.

Blood donation

Celebrities

Political support

Summary table

Same-sex sexual activity legal Yes (Never criminalised.)
Equal age of consent Yes
Anti-discrimination laws in employment Yes
Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services Yes
Anti-discrimination laws in all other areas (incl. indirect discrimination, hate speech) Yes
Same-sex marriage(s) Yes (since 1975)
Recognition of same-sex couples Yes
Stepchild adoption by same-sex couples Yes
Joint adoption by same-sex couples Yes
Lesbian, gay and bisexual people allowed to serve in the military Yes
Right to change legal gender Yes (Since 1991.)
Conversion therapy on minors and adults banned Yes (Since 1991.)
Access to IVF for lesbians Yes
Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples Yes
MSM allowed to donate blood Yes

See also