Q. 同性婚は、社会全体にメリットがありますか？- Does same-sex marriage have any merits for society?

A. 現在では多くの国で同性婚が認められますが、それらの国で結婚した同性カップルの一方が仕事で日本に赴任する際、配偶者を日本に帯同できないため、日本への赴任を拒否する同性カップルが増えているという問題が生じています。日本は高度な知識や技能を有する外国人を受け入れ、経済の活性化を図ろうとしていますが、外国人の同性カップルについて、その配偶者の日本の居住を認め、同性カップルが日本に安心して赴任できるようにすることで、日本の経済的利益につながると考えられます。

また、外国人の同性パートナーと結婚した日本人は、２人の婚姻が認められない日本ではなく、婚姻が認められる相手国に移住することが多く、日本の人口減少に拍車をかけていると言えます。

同性カップルには結婚が認められなかっため、同性カップルの関係が安定しなかったこと、同性カップルは性行為によって妊娠することがないため避妊を怠ったことなどにより、HIVなどの性病が同性愛者に広がった歴史があります。同性婚が認められれば、同性カップルも異性カップルと同様、安定した関係を築き、お互いの健康に責任を持った生活を行うことができるようになると考えられます。

国家の制度は、「資源利用の効率性」を高めるべきものです。結婚制度もその意味では長期的で安定した２人が関係を誓約し、しかし離婚の際には資産や所得の分割方法を事前に定める結婚制度は、家族や社会が安定性と生産性を向上させる制度であると言え、同性カップルに結婚を認める国は、より社会全体の生産性を向上させていると言えます。

また、同性婚を認めた国では、ウェディング産業が活性化した例があります。

そして何より、同性カップルにも法の下の平等を実現し、性的少数者を公的に認知を行うことが、人口の５％以上いると言われる性的少数者への社会的偏見や差別をなくし、性的少数者が自己の尊厳を保って生きられる社会を実現することにつながるのです。

Q. Does same-sex marriage have any merits for society?

A. Currently, several countries recognize same-sex marriage. In these countries, when one person from a same-sex married couple moves to Japan due to work, their spouse cannot accompany them to Japan by obtaining a spouse visa. Thus, same-sex couples refusing to take work assignments in Japan are increasing and becoming an issue. The Japanese government is working to attract non-Japanese nationals who have advanced knowledge and skills in order to revitalize the economy. Accordingly, if the Japanese government allows spouses of non-Japanese, same-sex couples to reside in Japan, then same-sex couples can come to Japan with peace of mind and contribute to the Japanese economy.

Additionally, many Japanese who have same-sex partners from different countries chose to relocate to their partner’s country, where same-sex marriage is recognized. This trend can be defined as one factor that contributes to Japan’s declining population.

In countries where same-sex marriages are not recognized, the relationship between couples of the same-sex can be unstable. Also, since same-sex couples cannot become pregnant through intercourse, many couples fail to utilize safer-sex measures. Thus, there is a history of a higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV among people attracted to the same-sex. If same-sex marriage is recognized, this recognition can provide same-sex couples with a foundation for more stable relationships, similar to heterosexual couples. Also, more same-sex couples can lead lives where they take more responsibility towards each other’s health and well-being.

National government systems should enhance the efficiency of its available resources. Aligned with this objective, the institution of marriage acts as a system where two people vow to be in a committed, stable relationship over the long term, and if divorce occurs, married couples predetermine how assets and earnings will be divided. Therefore, the institution of marriage can be described as a system that improves the stability and productivity of the household and society, and countries that recognize same-sex marriage are further improving upon the productivity of society as a whole.

Also, in countries where same-sex marriage is recognized, there are examples where the wedding industry was revitalized.

Most importantly, recognizing same-sex marriages will allow same-sex couples to attain equality under the law and be officially acknowledged. These actions will help eliminate prejudice and discrimination in society towards sexual minorities, which comprise over five percent of the world’s population. Finally, sexual minorities will be able to maintain their personal dignity and live in a society where they feel protected.