Tokyo’s capital begins same-sex partnership recognition

TOKYO – Tokyo’s capital began issuing certificates recognizing same-sex couples on Tuesday, becoming the largest municipality to do so in a country in which same-sex marriage is not allowed. Seven years after the Shibuya district first introduced same-sex partnership recognition, more than 200 smaller towns have joined the move. The certificates are not legally binding but allow same-sex partners to apply for public housing, give them access to medical data, and allow them to be beneficiaries in auto and life insurance.