Compare LGBT Rights in Japan & United States

Equality Index ?
55 / 100
70 / 100
Legal Index ?
58 / 100
83 / 100
Public Opinion Index ?
53 / 100
56 / 100
Homosexual activityLegal
Since 1881
Legal
Since 2003
Same-sex marriageBannedLegal
Since 2015
Censorship of LGBT issuesNo censorshipVaries by Region
Since 2021
Right to change legal genderLegal, but requires surgery
Since 2022
Varies by Region
Since 2025
Gender-affirming careLegal, but restricted for minors
Since 1997
Varies by Region
Legal recognition of non-binary genderNot legally recognizedVaries by Region
Since 2025
LGBT discriminationIllegal in some contexts
Since 2018
Varies by Region
Since 2015
LGBT employment discriminationVaries by RegionSexual orientation and gender identity
Since 2020
LGBT housing discriminationSexual orientation and gender identity
Since 2003
Sexual orientation and gender identity
Same-sex adoptionAmbiguousLegal
Since 2017
Intersex infant surgeryNot bannedVaries by Region
Serving openly in militaryLegal
Since 1947
Lesbians, gays, bisexuals permitted, transgender people banned
Since 2025
Blood donations by MSMsBanned (6-month deferral)
Since 2011
Legal
Since 2023
Conversion therapyNot bannedVaries by Region
Equal age of consentEqual
Since 1947
Equal
Full DetailsFull Details

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