30 Large multinationals equate homosexual rights with the rest
GAYLES.TV.- It seems that at last there is some light in the country of the rising sun in terms of LGBT rights. Because, paradoxically, Japan, which is one of the world's most technologically advanced countries, is not in terms of social rights. In Japanese society there is a strong sense of conservatism that makes only 6 of every 10 person tolerate relationships between individuals of the same sex.
Despite that the Japanese Constitution does not recognize any type of legal union of same-sex couples, yes it is true that winds of change have been blowing for some time. Just a month ago the Japanese government approved a law that provides for punishing any type of language or discriminatory action in the workplace considering it comparable to a lack of sexual harassment. The new law is expected to take effect in January so that companies have leeway to establish punishment protocols for offenders.
But the news in this case is that, advancing to any kind of legislation or regulation, a trentena of big companies with names as well known as Sony, IBM or Panasonic, have reached an agreement to recognize same-sex unions in their by-laws and to equate their employment rights with the heterosexual members of their staff. The measure contemplates affect the LGTBI collective as it contemplates improvements such as the possibility of obtaining permits for the intervention of sex change, request the sick leave of the spouse and the modification of internal statutes that regulate the use of sanitary facilities in companies or dress codes.
The agreement supposes a revolutionary action that does nothing but reflect the best of the globalization of the world in which we live. In the words of Panasonic spokeswoman Yayoi Watanabe: "We are a global company and we have already had cases like this in the US and in Europe, where homosexual employees are treated without discrimination".
A set of initiatives that, added to the decision of some Japanese local administrations like those of Shibuya or Setagaya in Tokyo to issue certificates of civil union between homosexuals, marks a tendency of change in Japanese society.
Source: PressReader La Vanguardia
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