Ube, Yamaguchi -- Ube city was going to be the first city in the Yamaguchi prefecture to implement the partnership oath system, which acknowledges the partnership status of LGBT couples. However, at the end of 2020, 80% of the comments in the public forum were against the system. The city had planned to introduce the system around April, but there were many critical opinions and reasons opposing it like, "Maybe there aren't any LGBTQ couples here," which led to postponing the implementation to September.
Out of the 217 posted responses, there were only 34 responses, or 16%, who agreed. "It will only worsen our declining birth rate." "There are other human rights issues we should pay more attention to." These are some reasons that those in opposition have provided.
The City Council for the Promotion of Human Rights approved the drafted guidelines for the partnership system in November 2020 and solicited the public's opinion. Since many people expressed opposition against the system, more members of the council suggested delaying its implementation, saying that "it needs more time" during their meeting on February 18. The council plans to have educational programs such as seminars because the city is not as progressive as it was expected to be.
This system is for LGBTQ+ couples who are already living in the city or are planning to move to the city. They will be issued a certificate once they submit their written oath. The system will grant couples different rights like living together in municipal housing and getting family discounts on cell phone plans. More urban areas outside the prefecture are continuing to introduce this system.
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