Recognition of same-sex unions in Asia

Recognition of same-sex unions in Asia
Debate has occurred throughout Asia over proposals to legalize same-sex marriage as well as civil unions.
Following a Constitutional Court ruling and a subsequent legislative act, Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide on 24 May 2019.
The Supreme Court Of India in a landmark decision on 16 August 2022 widened the definition of family under Indian law. This case has allowed for further recognition of live-in relationships of LGBT couples. Since 2020, some courts have recognized unregistered cohabitation for Indian LGBT couples.
In addition, Israel recognises same-sex marriages performed abroad, though not as full marriage, and same-sex marriages are legal in the UK sovereign base areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia and the British Indian Ocean Territory. In March 2023, the Supreme Court of Nepal ordered the Nepali government to legally recognize a same-sex marriage performed overseas and to legislate for same-sex marriage.
Israel recognises unregistered cohabitation for same-sex couples. Several cities in Cambodia provide same-sex couples with some limited rights and benefits, including hospital visitation rights. Some cities in Japan issue certificates for same-sex couples, which in the case of Tokyo provide some transportation rights. In Hong Kong, the same-sex partners of residents can receive spousal visas and spousal benefits.
Current situation
National level
Sub-national level
Partially-recognized and unrecognized states
Future legislation
Marriage
Opposition proposals or proposals without a parliamentary majority
India: India does not have a codified civil marriage code. A draft of a Uniform Civil Code that would legalise same-sex marriage was proposed in 2017. There are also several same-sex marriage petitions pending in the courts. An opposition NCP MP introduced a bill to legalize same-sex marriages under the Special Marriages Act on 1 April 2022.
Japan: A bill has been introduced by the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.
South Korea: A group of cross-party MPs have introduced a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage.
Non-marital partnership
Opposition proposals or proposals without a parliamentary majority
Philippines: In 2022, two same-sex civil union bills have been proposed to the Philippine Congress. The first bill, named the "Civil Partnership Act", was proposed by Bagong Henerasyon party-list representative Bernadette Herrera-Dy in July 2022. This bill would provide recognition of same-sex couples in the Philippines and grant them the same benefits and protections as opposite-sex married couples on a national level. This bill was also proposed in previous Congresses, but did not pass. In August 2022, Muslim senator Robin Padilla proposed a similar bill named the "Civil Unions Act", which would provide benefits and protections for same-sex couples similar to Herrera-Dy's, as well as inheritance rights, adoption rights, and other privileges granted to married couples.
South Korea: The opposition Basic Income Party introduced the Life Partnership Relations Act on 26 April 2023. The bill would recognize diverse families including same-sex couples. It has not yet been debated in the National Assembly.
Public opinion
In 2019, a survey by The Economist found that 45% of respondents in the Asia-Pacific region believed same-sex marriage is inevitable in the region, with 31% of respondents disagreeing. Also, three-quarters of those surveyed reported a more open climate for LGBT rights compared to three years ago. Of those reporting an improving climate for LGBT people, 38% cited a change in policies or laws, while 36% said coverage of LGBT issues in mainstream media was a major factor. The top reason cited for diminishing openness was anti-LGBT advocacy by religious institutions.
See also
LGBT rights in Asia
Recognition of same-sex unions in Africa
Recognition of same-sex unions in the Americas
Recognition of same-sex unions in Europe
Recognition of same-sex unions in Oceania
Notes
References