The (Lack of ) Homophobia in Japan!

     This week we are reading about Japan and Korea. So my blog is going to be about Japan and its legalization of gay marriage. Apparently,  Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is not eager to alter the Constitution when it comes to same sex marriage. He has stated that the Constitution, "does not envisage marriage between people of the same sex". This statement was a response to another statement made by a political leader that supports gay marriage. This other political leader, Kota Matsuda, said that recognizing gay marriage would give hope to 5 percent of Japan's population that have come out at as homosexuals. This article also gives insight on how homosexuals are treated in Japan. According to the article, people that have come out to the public have found it difficult to rent apartments and sometimes are denied visitation rights to visit their partners in the hospital because they are not considered family. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe however, does not only face pressure from other politicians but at home too. His wife had been part of rallies and marches that advocate for the LGBT community.  This article also talks about how Japan is not as homophobic as some western countries (I'm looking at you, United States). Japan's reluctance to legalizing gay marriage is not because of religious or cultural reasons. What do you think? Why is Japan being so reluctant if religious and cultural reasons are not the cause? What are other factors that are preventing Japan from legalizing hay marriage?

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/02/19/national/social-issues/gay-marriage-push-faces-constitutional-barrier/#.VOYxkIuJnzI