Ldp Puts Off Debate On Surnames Of Married Couples
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is likely to postpone debate on whether legal changes should be made to allow married couples to keep their separate surnames, until after the general election due by this autumn.
The LDP's move is in response to a Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday that said the civil code article requiring married couples to have the same surname does not violate the Constitution.
The LDP has been divided over the issue. Party officials believe the top court's ruling has made it difficult for the party to decide its stance. They worry it will further deepen the intraparty divide, which they say would be undesirable ahead of the Lower House election.
Following the ruling, LDP lawmakers wary of changing the same-surname requirement called it a sensible ruling that puts an end to the party's debate on the matter.
Some lawmakers are instead calling for legal changes that would allow wider use of original surnames by married people.
On the other hand, lawmakers who want the surname system changed are demanding that the party step up debate on the issue. They noted that the Supreme Court, in its ruling, said the system should be discussed and decided by the Diet.