First “Sexual Diversity Ordinance” in Okinawa passed by Urasoe City Council, bans discrimination and officially recognizes LBGT couples
The Urasoe City Council after passing the “Urasoe City Ordinance for Achieving a Society that Honors Sexual Diversity” bill on the morning of March 23 at the Urasoe City Hall
March 23, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo
(Urasoe) On March 23, at its final regular meeting in March, the Urasoe City Council (Chairperson: Chobun Goeku) unanimously passed the “Ordinance for Achieving a Society that Honors Sexual Diversity” bill, which includes introduction of a “partnership system” by which the local government officially recognizes LGBT and other sexual minority couples. This ordinance, the first in Okinawa to focus specifically on sexual diversity, will take effect on October 1.
The bill prohibits discriminatory treatment and harassment for the reason of being a sexual minority, and also prohibits outing (publicly disclosing someone else’s sexual preference or sexual identity without the individual’s permission). It calls on business owners to make efforts to establish a workplace environment that takes sexual diversity into consideration.
The introduction of the partnership system is the second in Okinawa, following the one in Naha. The details of the system will be stipulated in regulations going forward.
On March 23, councilmembers Hayato Hamasaki and Yoshiji Mekaru left before deliberation of the bill. The bill passed unanimously without debate or questions.
(English translation by T&CT and Sandi Aritza)
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