Fridae

Shunkoin Temple is now offering exclusive traditional Japanese weddings for same-sex couples from around the world, a move that just might be the precursor to marriage equality in Japan.

Draped in wedding kimonos, standing in a Zen temple Kyoto built in the 1590s, gay and lesbian couples have a new option for a commitment ceremony in Japan that struggles with legislation to ensure LGBT equality.

“It’s not like we have to keep tradition the way it is,” Takafumi Kawakami, a priest at the Shunkoin Temple told CNN. “We welcome every couple regardless of their faith or sexual orientation.”

Shunkoin Temple is an important site for a 20th-century school of thought that blends Zen and Western philosophy. It is also noted for its categorical stand against human rights abuses. 

According to its website, “Shunkoin Temple is against any forms of ‘Human Rights Violations’ in the world. No religion teaches how to hate others. Religion teaches how to love and respect others.”

Even though same sex-marriage is not yet legalized in Japan, the temple is seen as taking steps toward social acceptance of LGBTI couples while its home government lags behind. Thus the ceremony is more of a spiritual commitment, as the couple does not gain any legal right through it.

Moreover, a 2013 Ipsos survey showed how divided Japanese citizens were on the issue. Only 24 percent of Japanese people believe same-sex couples should be allowed to marry legally.

“Japan still has no LGBT protection laws, lawmakers aren’t even talking about it,” LGBT activist Maki Muraki was quoted as telling various media outlets. “If more people come out and get married, it’ll increase LGBT awareness, marriage equality, and workplace equality.”

The Japanese constitution currently codifies marriage in gender-based language and describes it as “mutual cooperation with the equal rights of husband and wife as basis.”

The temple is in cooperation with Hotel Granvia Kyoto -- one of the “Top 25 Hotels in Japan” according to the 2014 TripAdvisor Travellers Choice -- in offering exclusive destination packages for traditional Japanese weddings for same-sex couples.