Japan issues maiden 'same sex partnership certificate'

Tokyo, Nov 06 (ANI): A lesbian couple in Tokyo became the first in Japan to receive a certificate recognizing their partnership, a major step forward for gay couples in a conservative country where being openly gay can be difficult. The couple, Hiroko Masuhara and Koyuki Higashi, arrived at Shibuya City Hall, located in Tokyo's trendy district, early in the morning to collect paperwork that will allow them to rent an apartment, visit each other in hospital, and help them claim many other benefits, not as friends, but as a couple. Shibuya district was also the first in Japan to pass measures recognizing same-sex partnership which was voted by the local council earlier April this year. Receiving the certificate however, is merely a symbolic step forward for the two, and does not provide any legal recognition for their union. Shibuya Ward Mayor, Ken Hasebe who ran for office on the back of a pro-LGBT rights campaign and has been considered instrumental in creating the certificate, came ou