The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan on Monday vowed to give couples the option of keeping their surnames separate after marriage, among other reform proposals, ahead of the general election this autumn.

Announcing a set of policies the party — Japan's main opposition force — will implement if it gains power, CDP leader Yukio Edano said it seeks to realize a society without discrimination.

Other policies include introducing a law to protect the rights of sexual minorities, helping women subjected to domestic violence and a ban on discrimination based on gender, nationality and disability. The party also plans to review the country's immigration system.