Today I congratulated Nagoya Mayor Kawamura Takashi and the people of Nagoya for the city’s decision to launch a same-sex partnership registration system.
Nagoya has joined over 200 local governments across Japan in recognizing same-sex partnerships. Love is love and equality is a principle. All people, whether American or Japanese, regardless of gender identity, must receive the same benefits and the same rights as other citizens, including the opportunity to marry and raise a family free from discrimination.
Throughout my life and career in public service, in the U.S. Congress, at the White House, and as Mayor of Chicago, I have fought for inclusion. Now as U.S. Ambassador to Japan, I will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all those who are fighting for marriage equality in Japan.