Campaign pledges by most political parties ahead of Sunday's Lower House election have increased hopes of legislation to deepen understanding and protect the rights of sexual minorities.
Six opposition parties promise that they will seek to present bills to the Diet next year to help protect LGBTQ people against discrimination and legalize same-sex marriage. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner Komeito vow only to promote public understanding through legislation.
The main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and three others groups — the Japanese Communist Party, the Social Democratic Party and Reiwa Shinsengumi — agreed on a common policy of enacting an LGBTQ equality law. The Democratic Party for the People will consider guaranteeing same-sex marriage under the Constitution.