Japan court deems gender change rule invalid in landmark case

TOKYO: On Wednesday, October 25, the best judge of Japan ruled that it is illegal for people to have sterilization surgery in order to legally change their gender.

The necessity was deemed unfair and violated human rights by a number of international organizations, including the European Court of Human Rights, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, and UN professionals.

Rights groups applauded the historic selection, but they were disappointed when the judges asked a lower court to consider on an additional clause mandating that the genitalia of those who want to change their gender resemble those of the other gender.

The plaintiff, who was only identified as a trans woman under the age of 50, stated in an interview that her attorneys read out,” This decision was very unexpected and I’m very amazed.” She did, however, add that she was” disappointed” that the other clause’s decision had been delayed.

A ruling that challenges the current law, according to some lawmakers and women’s organizations in Japan, may cause confusion and jeopardize the rights of women. Similar proposals to do away with the sterilization condition were made by the Supreme Court in 2019.

According to Human Rights Watch, the state now had to take action as a result of Wednesday’s decision.

According to Kanae Doi, director of the right group in Japan,” the state is under the obligation to make any legislation democratic, so the government now needs to act immediately to reduce the provision.” Not too soon, even though it is delayed.

The government does” examine the selection carefully and respond appropriately ,” Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroshi Moriya stated at a typical press event on Wednesday.