The Mie prefectural assembly approved an ordinance Tuesday banning anyone from revealing an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity without consent or good reason, a first in any of the nation's 47 prefectures.
The ordinance aimed at "realizing a society where people recognize sexual diversity" to eliminate discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people will come into force on April 1, but it does not stipulate penalties for breaches.
The nonbinding ordinance urges people to refrain from treating others in a discriminatory manner based on their sexual orientation and seeks cooperation from residents and companies in the prefecture.