Japan: Equality Act Before Tokyo Olympics

Japan's government must introduce legislation to protect LGBT+ people from discrimination before the Olympics.

In July 2021, the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games are set to begin in Tokyo, Japan.

But Japan is not ready to host the Olympics, because it doesn't have any national legislation protecting LGBT+ people from discrimination.

The Olympic Charter bans "discrimination of any kind," including on the grounds of sexual orientation. And while the Tokyo Metropolitan Government adopted an ordinance that protects LGBT+ people from discrimination in 2018, several Olympic competitions will take place outside of Tokyo.

This means, LGBT+ fans, athletes, officials and visitors in these regions will not be protected from discrimination.

That's why All Out is joining Human Rights Watch, Athlete Ally, and the Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation (J-ALL) in urging the Japanese government to pass the Equality Act, a national anti-discrimination bill, to ensure equal rights and protections for LGBT+ people.

The Olympics are a once-in-a-generation moment to achieve equality. Sign to show your support for the Equality Act today.