Japan: Hopes for same-sex marriage rest with potential prime minister
Reuters reported September 28 on Japanese LGBTQ groups' hopes that the country's upcoming prime minister race may lead to the legalization of same-sex marriage. Their hopes ride on the election of Taro Kono, who has openly supported same-sex marriage, and is considered the ruling party's leading contender in the race. Activists say that even the discussion of LGBTQ issues in a PM race shows progress, but also that broader political change is another matter. Reuters added that support for same-sex marriage is polling at 65%, and that hundreds of counties in Japan have already legalized it by issuing certificates that acknowledge same-sex couples.
Berlin: Two transgender Greens win seats in parliament
Reuters reported on September 27 that two transgender women, Tessa Ganserer and Nyke Slawik, have won seats in German parliament. Both candidates are members of the Greens, a center-left party with a focus on mitigating climate change and increasing sustainability. Ganserer plans to implement easier ways to change one's name and gender marker on identity documents, and an easier legislative process for Lesbian mothers to adopt children. Slawik supports tougher anti-discrimination laws, especially in regard to homophobia and transphobia.