kimpossible
08-12-2003, 10:18 AM
Transgendered was part of this forum, right? If not, please move. Thanks, K.
Law Would Recognize Japanese Transgendered
Peter Hacker | Tokyo | 2003-06-06
Japanese transgendered men and women may soon be allowed to correct their gender on official documents.
A group of ruling coalition lawmakers is preparing legislation that would allow the transgendered to make the change on their family register after having sex-reassignment surgery.
Under the bill, being prepared by members of the Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito and the New Conservative Party the transgendered could apply to family courts to have their gender registration changed.
For years, transsexuals who underwent sex-change surgery have sought court approval to change their registered sex. They have also submitted numerous joint petitions to politicians and health ministry officials, seeking legal action to facilitate their quest.
"The bill is a long-cherished dream of GID patients," said Chieko Noono, a member of the committee examining the legislation.
"Although relatively conservative on family issues, the public finally appears to be aware of the problems haunting such people.
"The legislation is essential to reduce their anxiety in daily life and to help them fully participate in society."
Currently the Family Registration Law stipulates a register can be corrected only when "mistakes" are found, and family courts have repeatedly rejected petitions from transsexuals to switch their gender registration.
Recently, Aya Kamikawa had to seek federal government approval to seek election. Kamikawa who was born male but is in the process of gender reassignment wanted to run as a woman for Tokyo council. She was eventually granted the right, and won, although after her victory she was registered under her male name.
Many transsexuals opt to work as part-timers so that they do not have to show prospective employers their identity papers. As a result may transgendereds are among the country's poorest people.
Another major problem is that the current system effectively bars transsexuals from marrying.
The lawmakers are trying to get the bill submitted to the Diet, Japan's Parliament, by the scheduled June 18 close of the current session.
Law Would Recognize Japanese Transgendered
Peter Hacker | Tokyo | 2003-06-06
Japanese transgendered men and women may soon be allowed to correct their gender on official documents.
A group of ruling coalition lawmakers is preparing legislation that would allow the transgendered to make the change on their family register after having sex-reassignment surgery.
Under the bill, being prepared by members of the Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito and the New Conservative Party the transgendered could apply to family courts to have their gender registration changed.
For years, transsexuals who underwent sex-change surgery have sought court approval to change their registered sex. They have also submitted numerous joint petitions to politicians and health ministry officials, seeking legal action to facilitate their quest.
"The bill is a long-cherished dream of GID patients," said Chieko Noono, a member of the committee examining the legislation.
"Although relatively conservative on family issues, the public finally appears to be aware of the problems haunting such people.
"The legislation is essential to reduce their anxiety in daily life and to help them fully participate in society."
Currently the Family Registration Law stipulates a register can be corrected only when "mistakes" are found, and family courts have repeatedly rejected petitions from transsexuals to switch their gender registration.
Recently, Aya Kamikawa had to seek federal government approval to seek election. Kamikawa who was born male but is in the process of gender reassignment wanted to run as a woman for Tokyo council. She was eventually granted the right, and won, although after her victory she was registered under her male name.
Many transsexuals opt to work as part-timers so that they do not have to show prospective employers their identity papers. As a result may transgendereds are among the country's poorest people.
Another major problem is that the current system effectively bars transsexuals from marrying.
The lawmakers are trying to get the bill submitted to the Diet, Japan's Parliament, by the scheduled June 18 close of the current session.