Japan’s Special Act on Gender Identity Disorder has long stipulated five conditions that individuals must meet to legally change their gender. Among these requirements was a mandate that individuals lack reproductive capability. However, in 2023, the Supreme Court ruled this particular condition unconstitutional, marking a significant shift in gender identity law.
Recently, another important development took place regarding the so-called “appearance requirement.” This requirement demands that individuals undergo genital surgery or hormone treatment to alter their external appearance in order to change their legal gender. The Sapporo Family Court has now ruled that this condition lacks a rational connection to contemporary medical practices for gender identity disorder and is therefore unconstitutional.
The petitioner in this case was unable to pursue surgery or hormone therapy due to concerns over allergies and potential side effects. This circumstance was a key factor in the court’s decision.
Notably, this is the first time a court in Japan has declared the appearance requirement unconstitutional on a nationwide level. The ruling was issued on September 24th, 2024, and represents a significant step toward more inclusive and medically informed gender identity laws in the country.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147014.php
