It's time for the nation to squarely face and find an answer to the question of whether same-sex couples should be left to suffer disadvantages because the state refuses to recognize same-sex marriage. In the first legal action of its kind, 13 lesbian and gay couples have filed lawsuits against the government charging that its refusal to accept same-sex marriages is unconstitutional. Without waiting for a judiciary decision, the government, lawmakers and other parties concerned should hold broad discussions on the issue to reach a consensus.

Social recognition of sexual minorities is increasing. According to a recent survey of 60,000 people nationwide by major advertising agent Dentsu Inc., 8.9 percent of the respondents identified themselves as either lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, and more than two-thirds of those polled were familiar with the acronym LGBT. About 78 percent of the respondents indicated their approval of same-sex marriages.

Since 2001, a total of 25 countries — mainly in Europe and North America — have recognized same-sex marriage. Japan remains the sole Group of Seven country that does not allow such couples to marry. The plaintiffs in the suit filed with district courts in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Sapporo last week say that the state's refusal to legalize same-sex marriage runs counter to the freedom to marry and equality under the law guaranteed by the Constitution, and charges the Diet with negligence for not taking the legislative action to legalize same-sex marriage.