LGBT rights in Chisei
Chisei | |
Status | Never criminalised. |
Gender identity | Change of legal gender allowed since 1991. |
Military | Gays and lesbians allowed to serve openly |
Discrimination protections | Sexual orientation and gender identity protections |
Family rights | |
Recognition of relationships | Same-sex marriage legalised in 1975. |
Adoption | Adoption 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 | (Never criminalised.) |
Equal age of consent | |
Anti-discrimination laws in employment | |
Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services | |
Anti-discrimination laws in all other areas (incl. indirect discrimination, hate speech) | |
Same-sex marriage(s) | (since 1975) |
Recognition of same-sex couples | |
Stepchild adoption by same-sex couples | |
Joint adoption by same-sex couples | |
Lesbian, gay and bisexual people allowed to serve in the military | |
Right to change legal gender | (Since 1991.) |
Conversion therapy on minors and adults banned | (Since 1991.) |
Access to IVF for lesbians | |
Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples | |
MSM allowed to donate blood |