Japan's Supreme Court Invalidates Transgender Sterilization Requirement

Japan's Supreme Court has ruled that a government requirement for transgender individuals to be sterilized before legally changing their gender is unconstitutional. The law, enacted 20 years ago, also requires transgender individuals to have genital organs resembling those of the opposite sex. While the court struck down the sterilization provision, it declined to rule on the requirement for genital surgery. The ruling is seen as a victory for the LGBTQ community, but activists express concern about remaining surgical requirements and broader societal attitudes. Discrimination against transgender individuals in Japan is still prevalent, and the country lacks legal protection for same-sex unions.