Setagaya Ward Considers Indicating 'Husband (Unregistered)' on Resident Registration Cards for Same-Sex Couples

Norito Hosaka, the mayor of Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, announced at the ward assembly on the 11th that he would consider using designations such as 'Husband (Unregistered)' in the family relations section of resident registration cards for same-sex couples, similar to the practice for heterosexual common-law couples. Setagaya Ward has been designating same-sex couples as 'relatives' until now. Mayor Hosaka responded to a question from Aya Uekawa, a ward assembly member, by stating, "I believe this would be a more accurate reflection of the parties' circumstances, and I would like to implement it."

Setagaya Ward and Shibuya Ward were the first in Japan to introduce partnership systems in 2015, and this practice has since spread nationwide. The issue of designating same-sex couples has been gaining attention since Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture, issued a resident registration card in May that listed the family relationship of a male couple as 'Husband (Unregistered).' Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, has also taken similar action.

Meanwhile, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced that, regarding the payment of relocation allowances under the Employment Insurance Law, only the cost for a single individual would be recognized, even if a person was registered as being in a common-law marriage on their resident registration card. This has led to criticism that it constitutes discriminatory treatment towards same-sex partners and violates the principle of equality. Yasushi Miura, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, responded by stating, "Same-sex partners are not currently treated as being included within the scope of eligibility." He added, "We will take into account the situation regarding the review of other systems and, as necessary, discuss it at the Labour Policy Council and then consider it further."

Individuals eligible for benefits under the Employment Insurance Law are entitled to receive reimbursement for expenses such as transportation costs for themselves and their family members when relocating for work purposes. The amount of the allowance depends on whether the partner is legally recognized as family. Currently, common-law couples are eligible for the allowance, but same-sex couples are excluded.

Keita Matsuura consulted with the city hall about the possibility of having the family relations section of his resident registration card designated as 'Husband (Unregistered),' expecting that this would enable same-sex couples to be treated equally with common-law couples.

Regarding this, Keita Matsuura stated, "I believe this is a significant step forward that they are willing to consider it. I'm happy about it. I'm grateful that Omura City paved the way, which I believe has led to this positive consideration."

The Supreme Court ruled in March of this year that same-sex partners are also included in the definition of 'individuals in a de facto marital relationship' under the Act on Support for Crime Victims and Others. Local governments across the country are now responding to this decision. Similarly, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's response of not recognizing family member allowances for same-sex partners under the Employment Insurance Law, differentiating them from common-law couples, is likely to face calls for reconsideration in the near future. It seems inevitable that they would lose if the case went to court. Since they are treated the same as common-law couples on resident registration cards, wouldn't it be wise to quickly acknowledge the payment of allowances?