Comprehensive research on LGBT legal policy in East Asia toward the formation of an international comparative research centre

Abstract

The legal and human rights of a LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) person has increased in countries around the world in recent years. For example, the UK Parliament passed the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act, which allowed same-sex marriage in England and Wales, in 2013 and it came into force the following year. There has also been a relaxation in the requirements for sex change. In the wake of such changes, international comparative studies and research has gained traction, with many academics establishing projects that seek to look at the differences in policies and rights for LGBT persons in different countries. However, much of the existing research is focused on Western legal policy and is generally centred on Europe and the US. Of course, this only accounts for a small proportion of the people in the world and so while such research is welcomed, knowledge gaps clearly still exist and more needs to be done to fill them. Associate Professor Hiroyuki Taniguchi, based at the Kanazawa University Institute of Liberal Arts and Science is working on a comparative study of LGBT legal policies in the countries of East Asia. He hopes to form an international comparative research centre that will help people access the information they need to understand their rights.