During the general questioning session at the 4th Regular Session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly on the 10th of December, Yuki Higashi (36), a member of the Constitutional Democratic Party faction, publicly stated that she is pansexual, meaning she does not prioritize the gender of her romantic partners. She then questioned the structure of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's partnership declaration system.
Ms. Higashi stated, “I am one of the individuals who are sexual minorities,” and revealed that she had made a partnership declaration with her same-sex partner last year. She expressed her thoughts, saying, “I have personally experienced both the suffering caused by the system not reaching people and the life-changing impact of support. That is precisely why I stand here today, driven by the desire to create a society that leaves no one behind.”
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government enacted a revised Human Rights Respect Ordinance in November 2022, incorporating a “Partnership Declaration System” that publicly recognizes same-sex couples as equivalent to married couples. Higashi pointed out, "The metropolitan government's website lists 60 medical institutions where the declaration acceptance certificate can be used for things like patient visits. However, this represents less than 10% of the institutions surveyed. Even if the system exists, it cannot be considered effective if those who need it cannot use it when necessary."
Governor Koike responded, “We will steadily advance initiatives based on the ordinance to realize a society of mutual recognition and coexistence for all.”
Higashi was first elected in the June metropolitan assembly election.
by Shiningc00