Gay activists in Asia upbeat about impact of U.S. court ruling

Gay rights activists in Asia, where no country allows same-sex couples to legally marry, are upbeat about prospects for a change following the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing such marriages in every state of the nation.



A look at some of the reactions and background on gay rights:

JAPAN

In Japan, homosexuality is not illegal, “but the atmosphere is such that most people feel homosexuals should not exist,” said Kazuyuki Minami, a lawyer in Osaka. “It’s tough. It’s hard to come out to families, friends and in the workplace.”

Minami held a marriage ceremony with his own partner, who is also a lawyer, in 2011.

Though Japan has some very popular transgender entertainment personalities, homosexuality is not widely accepted in its mainstream culture. Schools tend to foster specific male and female models for behavior.

SOUTH KOREA...(continued)
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