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LGBTQ groups cheer Tokyo’s same-sex partnership move

Published

4 years ago

December 9, 2021

Tokyo is moving to introduce a same-sex partnership system, an announcement welcomed by many

Japanese LGBTQ rights activists on Wednesday hailed Tokyo’s move to introduce a same-sex partnership system as a huge step in their fight for equality in the only G7 country that does not fully recognize same-sex marriage. Emer McCarthy reports.

Japanese LGBTQ rights activists are hailing Tokyo’s move to introduce a same-sex partnership system as a huge step in their fight for equality, in the only G7 country that does not fully recognize same-sex marriage.

Tokyo’s governor Yuriko Koike announced on Tuesday (December 7) that partnerships would be allowed early next year and made legal in the fiscal year beginning April 2022.

The partnership system allows same-sex partners to register their relationship and gain some of the privileges enjoyed by married couples, like being allowed to rent places to live together and gain hospital visitation rights.

“I think it is very revolutionary. I think diversity will continue to progress, so I think what the Tokyo governor said was good.”

“In rural areas, there are long-standing cultures and way of living, so I think those kinds of things are kind of difficult to root in immediately. I think Tokyo can set itself as a good example, and that can spread nationwide.”

Activists have long lobbied for the capital to adopt the system, and pushed its efforts ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

LGBTQ rights activist Gon Matsunaka said the Olympics helped sway public opinion.

“We had the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, and I think Tokyo is thinking about what to it should do in regards to the legacy of the Games. In fact, the United Kingdom legalized same-sex marriage after the London Olympics. In that sense, since Koike made the announcement in the year of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, in which ‘diversity and harmony’ was the theme, although she said she would introduce it next year, I think the Games had an influence.”

Activists say the next goal is making marriage possible, though this probably requires more local areas to adopt same-sex partnership regulations, creating enough pressure that the national government can no longer ignore it.

News

U.S. envoys head to Moscow as Ukraine peace talks accelerate

U.S. envoys to meet Putin, signaling a potential shift in Ukraine war diplomacy.

Published

13 hours ago

January 22, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. envoys to meet Putin, signaling a potential shift in Ukraine war diplomacy.

Senior U.S. envoys are preparing to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin as diplomatic efforts around the war in Ukraine gather pace. The visit comes after Russia formally requested high-level talks, signalling a potential shift in momentum.

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to travel to Moscow following months of behind-the-scenes discussions. The move underscores Washington’s willingness to engage directly as negotiations enter a more decisive phase.

With global attention fixed on the outcome, the meeting could shape the next chapter of the conflict — and determine whether diplomacy can finally overtake military escalation.

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News

Trump drops tariff threat after Greenland framework deal

Trump announces Greenland deal, easing tariff threats amid trade tensions, boosting US markets and sparking Arctic diplomacy debate.

Published

13 hours ago

January 22, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump announces Greenland deal, easing tariff threats amid trade tensions, boosting US markets and sparking Arctic diplomacy debate.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a framework deal involving Greenland, stepping back from earlier threats to impose tariffs on Europe. The shift comes after heightened global concern over trade tensions and geopolitical stability.

The announcement followed Trump’s appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos and discussions with NATO’s Secretary General.

Denmark’s Foreign Minister has since weighed in, responding to speculation surrounding Greenland’s future and the implications of US involvement.

Markets reacted positively, with US stocks rallying after Trump signalled he would abandon the tariff threats.

While Trump reiterated he would not use force to acquire Greenland, the move has sparked renewed debate about diplomacy, trade, and influence in the Arctic region.

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News

Coalition cracks deepen as Nationals break ranks over Labor reforms

Nationals senators defy party lines, voting against Labor’s reforms as Coalition faces internal rifts and leadership concerns.

Published

2 days ago

January 21, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Nationals senators defy party lines, voting against Labor’s reforms as Coalition faces internal rifts and leadership concerns.

A rift has emerged in the Coalition after three Nationals senators crossed the floor to vote against Labor’s post-Bondi hate group reforms, defying party lines and raising questions about their future in the shadow cabinet.

Their proposed amendment calling for greater scrutiny was rejected, and Labor’s legislation passed the Senate 38 votes to 22, cementing the reforms into law despite opposition pushback.

Coalition leadership will meet Wednesday to assess the political fallout, though some MPs consider the issue minor in terms of potential resignations. The incident highlights growing tensions within the party as internal discipline comes under pressure.

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