[Source]
A Japanese lesbian couple has been granted refugee status in Canada after discrimination in Japan.
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Although Japan has local partnership systems for same-sex couples, the country still does not have national marriage equality. LGBTQ+ rights advocates say social acceptance is lagging behind legal progress in Japan.
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Hana and Eri said they faced workplace discrimination and social stigma in the country. The couple sought refugee status by submitting a 200-page document to Canada detailing their experiences with discrimination. They underwent a series of interviews and public hearings before their application was approved.
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In granting the request, Canada cited the UN Commission’s report on widespread discrimination against women and sexual minorities in Japan.
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The women, who now have permanent resident status in Canada, said they decided to share their experiences to raise awareness about the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community in Japan.
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