Ibaraki Pref. to certify LGBT couples as partners

January 31, 2019

Mito, Ibaraki Pref.--The government of Ibaraki Prefecture, eastern Japan, is considering introducing a system for LGBT, or lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, couples to be treated in the same way as married couples, it has been learned.

The prefecture will submit a bill to amend a related ordinance to the Ibaraki prefectural assembly in March, hoping to launch the certification system in April at the earliest, sources familiar with the matter said.

Ibaraki will be the first Japanese prefecture to introduce a system to certify LGBT couples as partners, according to the sources.

In the nation, municipalities including Setagaya Ward in Tokyo and the southwestern city of Fukuoka have adopted such a system.

In order to be certified under the amended Ibaraki government ordinance, LGBT couples would need to meet certain conditions, such as living or planning to live in the prefecture, according to the sources.

The bill also calls for prohibiting discrimination against sexual minorities, the sources said.

Challenges facing LGBT couples include difficulties renting apartments. In addition, they are often unable to receive explanations about conditions of their hospitalized partners from medical institutions.

The envisaged system is aimed at helping sexual minorities live without difficulties, an official at the Ibaraki government's welfare division said. Jiji Press