Policy against same-sex marriage unconstitutional, Japanese court rules

Lawyers and supporters celebrate following the ruling (Kyodo News/AP)

A Japanese court has ruled that the government’s policy against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, in a closely watched decision that supporters say is a step toward marriage equality.

The Nagoya District Court in central Japan, however, rejected a request by a male couple that the government pay them compensation for the unequal treatment they face because the current system does not recognise them as legally married.