Japanese MP makes waves by linking same-sex marriage to revising constitution

TOKYO - A conservative ally of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called for discussion on revising Japan's constitution to allow same-sex marriage, annoying colleagues in the ruling party who are against it and also opposition parliamentarians who say enacting a simple law would clear the way.

Japan's laws on LGBT rights are relatively liberal compared with those in many Asian countries, although many LGBT people still conceal their sexuality.

But couples seeking to register same-sex marriages have been rejected by local authorities because there is no law specifically recognizing it.

The constitution, never amended since it was adopted after Japan's defeat in World War 2, says: "Marriage shall be based only on the mutual consent of both sexes and it shall be maintained through mutual cooperation with the equal rights of husband and wife as a basis."

Amending the constitution's pacifist Article 9 to clarify the status of Japan's military is a long-held goal of Abe and his ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Revising the article is highly controversial, although it has already been stretched to allow armed forces for self-defense.

Former Education Minister Hakubun Shimomura last month floated the idea of adding same-sex marriage to a list of other potential constitutional changes.

"It is important to proceed with debate without any taboo, including of the idea that a man can marry a man and a woman can marry a woman," NHK public TV quoted him as saying at a meeting of local LDP members last month.

The LDP has said same-sex marriage was "incompatible" with the constitution and Shimomura's remark caused concern at a meeting of the party's general affairs committee this week, media reported.

"One should not lightly make comments such as revising the constitution to recognize same-sex marriage," the Asahi newspaper quoted former cabinet minister Keiji Furuya as saying.

LGBT activists including Kanako Otsuji of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ) - the country's first openly LGBT lawmaker - say no amendment is needed to allow same-sex marriage because the constitution does not explicitly ban it.

They have submitted a marriage equality bill to parliament in June, but the ruling coalition has declined to debate it.

"I think the goal is to shake up the opposition," Otsuji told Reuters, referring to Shimomura's suggestion. "If they agree with same-sex marriage, they should agree with our bill."

Shimomura's office declined a request for an interview due to his tight schedule.

A survey last year showed nearly 80 percent of Japanese in their 20s to 50s favored legalizing same-sex marriage.

"The constitution did not envision same-sex marriage when it was written... but it was not prohibited," said Gon Matsunaka, head of Pride House Consortium, which promotes LGBT awareness.

"Society and the world have changed and it is the responsibility of the legislature to pass a law in line with that."

Constitutional amendments must be approved by two-thirds of the members of both houses of parliament and a majority in a public referendum. The ruling bloc has a two-thirds majority in the lower house but lacks one in the upper chamber.

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Gay marriage legal in 28 countries

PARIS - The first-ever gay civil unions in Denmark 30 years ago paved the way for full same-sex marriages that are today allowed in 28 countries, even though homosexuality remains illegal in some parts of the world.

Here is an overview.

Europe, gay marriage pioneers

On October 1, 1989, for the first time in the world, several gay couples in Denmark tied the knot in legal civil unions.

Danish homosexual couples would however have to wait until 2012 to be allowed to marry in church.

The right to a religious marriage ceremony was first allowed in The Netherlands in 2001.

Thirteen European countries followed: Belgium, Britain (although not Northern Ireland), Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

Austria allowed gay marriage from 2019.

Some countries allow only gay civil partnerships including Croatia, Cyprus, The Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy and Switzerland.

The Czech government has backed draft legislation that would make the country the first post-communist member of the European Union to legalize same-sex marriage, but its fate is uncertain.

Slovenia also allows civil partnerships but in 2015 rejected in a referendum a proposal to legalize gay marriage.

In 2014 Estonia became the first former Soviet republic to authorize same-sex civil unions.

In Romania a referendum aimed at enshrining a ban on gay marriage in the constitution failed in 2018 because of a low turnout.

Progress in the Americas

Canada was the first American country to authorize same-sex marriage in 2005.

In 2015 the US Supreme Court legalized gay marriage nationwide at a time it was banned in 14 out of 50 states.

The United States' first gay marriage had actually taken place in 1971, when a Minnesota couple obtained a marriage licence thanks to an overlooked legal loophole. The marriage was officially recognized in March 2019, after a five-decade legal battle.

In Latin America five countries allow same-sex marriages: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay, joined by Ecuador in June 2019.

Mexico's federal capital authorized gay civil unions in 2007 and marriages in 2009. Half of its 32 states have followed.

Chile legalized gay civil unions in 2015.

Costa Rica's Supreme Court in 2018 ruled that a ban on same-sex marriages was unconstitutional and gave parliament 18 months to amend the laws.

Cuba left out of its new constitution adopted in February 2019 changes that would have paved the way for legal same-sex marriage. The definition of marriage will be left to a new Family Code which will be put to a referendum.

Taiwan, first in Asia

While much of Asia is tolerant of homosexuality, Taiwan became in May 2019 the first in the region to allow gay marriage.

In the Middle East, where homosexuality is repressed, Israel leads the way in terms of gay rights, recognizing same-sex marriages that are performed elsewhere although not allowing such unions in the country itself.

Several countries in the conservative region still have the death penalty for homosexuality, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Australia (2017) and New Zealand (2013) are the only places in the wider Asia-Pacific region to have passed gay marriage laws.

Africa: marriage in one country

South Africa is the sole nation on the African continent to allow gay marriage, which it legalized in 2006.

Around 30 African countries ban homosexuality, with Mauritania, Somalia and Sudan having the death penalty for same-sex relations.

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Indonesia moving to ban sex outside marriage

JAKARTA, Indonesia - Indonesia is set to vote on a plan to outlaw gay and premarital sex while beefing up its blasphemy laws in a shakeup fuelled by religious conservatism and slammed by rights groups Thursday.

The proposed criminal law overhaul could affect millions in the world's biggest Muslim majority country, including heterosexual couples who might face jail for having sex outside wedlock or having an affair.

But there are also fears it could punish the Southeast Asian nation's small LGBT community as gay marriage is not allowed in Indonesia.

"Indonesia's draft criminal code is disastrous not only for women and religious and gender minorities, but for all Indonesians," said Andreas Harsono, senior Indonesia researcher at Human Rights Watch. 

"Lawmakers should remove all the abusive articles before passing the law," he added.

Updating Indonesia's criminal code -- which stretches back to the Dutch colonial era -- has been debated for decades. 

While a push last year fizzled, the mooted changes now appear set to be voted on in parliament before the end of the month -- with strong support from religious groups.

Shift towards fundamentalism

"Even though the criminal code bill that will be ratified still has shortcomings, it's far better than the (one) today," said Robikin Emhas, spokesperson for the Nahdlatul Ulama, a major Islamic organization.

Rights groups say the proposals underscore a growing shift towards fundamentalism in a country long hailed for its religious tolerance.

"This is a setback," said Papang Hidayat, research manager at Amnesty International Indonesia.

"Religious values as a source of lawmaking has now reached the national level -- that's worrying."

People who have premarital or extramarital sex could face between 6 months and 1 year in jail, as well as fines, under the changes.

There are also penalties for anyone "showing or offering" contraception to minors under 18.

Indonesia's Aceh province already imposes Islamic law, and whipping is a common punishment for a range of offenses including gambling, drinking alcohol, and having gay or premarital sex. 

The proposals call for a wider interpretation of Indonesia's blasphemy law, which has seen members of religious minority groups, including Christians and Buddhists, prosecuted in the past.

The new law would also criminalize "insulting" the president or vice president, which critics said would be a blow to free speech.

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‘The Rock’ says, ‘I do’: Dwayne Johnson gets married

Hollywood actor and former WWE superstar Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson has tied the knot with his long-time partner, singer Lauren Hashian.

Johnson shared the milestone on Instagram Monday, with photos of him and Hashian just moments after exchanging “I do’s” in Hawaii.

“We do,” Johnson wrote in the caption.

Johnson, 47, and Hashian, 34, have reportedly been a couple since 2007. They have 2 daughters together: Jasmin, 3, and Tiana, 1.

The “Fast and the Furious” star has an 18-year-old daughter, Simone, from a previous marriage.

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Miley Cyrus' family wants her to 'reconsider split'

Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth's families reportedly want them to reconsider their decision to split.

The 26-year-old pop star and Hemsworth, 29, recently announced their separation after less than 12 months of marriage, but according to an insider, their families hope they will take some time to reconsider the move.

The insider shared: "Their families have urged them to take some time to breathe before they make any final decisions.

"They are both upset about how this has blown up and are both hurting right now."

The high-profile duo tied the knot in December 2018, but decided to go their separate ways after their priorities changed.

More specifically, it's claimed that Cyrus "outgrew" her party-loving ways of the past.

The insider explained to E! News: "Liam was continuing to party with his friends. They used to party, but Miley outgrew that phase."

Meanwhile, a source close to Cyrus previously claimed that the chart-topping singer is having a "hard time" letting go of Hemsworth.

Cyrus is apparently struggling to get over him because of their extensive history together, having first met on the set of the 2010 movie "The Last Song."

The insider said: "They have a long history together, and that's a huge part of why she has a hard time letting him go. At the end of the day, she wants to be happy, and she genuinely wants Liam to be happy too."

Cyrus and Hemsworth are holding off on filing for divorce for now and friends believe that they could get back together in the future.

The source added: "They're having a break right now because they needed it.

"It was a bad situation with a lot of disagreements. They both agreed it's better to spend time apart, but this doesn't mean their relationship is completely over."

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Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth reportedly split after less than a year of marriage

American singer Miley Cyrus and Australian actor Liam Hemsworth have split up less than a year after getting married, magazine People reported on Sunday.

A representative for Cyrus told People in a statement that the celebrity couple “have agreed to separate at this time.” 

The representative, according to the report, added that Cyrus and Hemsworth “have decided this is what’s best while they both focus on themselves and careers.” 

Cyrus and Hemsworth tied the knot last December 23 in a wedding attended by their families and closest friends at Cyrus' home in Franklin, Tennessee.

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Anglican Church of Canada rejects same-sex marriage

MONTREAL - The Anglican Church of Canada -- which has more than 500,000 members -- has rejected a motion to modify its definition of marriage to embrace same-sex unions.

The motion heard at the church's general assembly, called a synod, would have changed its marriage canon to remove references to unions between a man and a woman.

To pass, the proposal required a two-thirds majority from each of three groups of delegates: lay people, clergy and bishops.

But though lay delegates and members of the clergy voted largely in favor of the move late Friday in Vancouver, they did not meet the two-thirds threshold among the bishops.

The motion had been approved in a first vote at the last general assembly three years ago, but it needed to be validated at two meetings in a row.

Many in the church, which has nearly 1,700 parishes, were disappointed.

Bishop Andrew Asbil of Toronto, Canada's largest city, said the vote was "devastating news to our LGBTQ+ community, families and friends."

"I share in that sense of devastation," Asbil added.

Another motion passed at the Vancouver meetings did leave the church some room to maneuver, as it recognizes that each diocese can choose to handle same-sex marriage in their own way, meaning they can perform gay weddings.

Some dioceses have performed same-sex marriages since 2016, and many of them intend to keep on doing so, Meghan Kilty, the church's director of communications, told the CBC.

Canada legalized gay marriage in 2005.

ps/sst/wd

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Japan gay couples seek marriage rights in Valentine's lawsuit

TOKYO - Chizuka Oe and Yoko Ogawa have been together for 25 years, but when they submitted their marriage registration at a Tokyo town hall, they knew it would be rejected.

"We were told that they cannot accept our registration because we are both women," said Ogawa, standing in the winter sun outside the building in Nakano in western Tokyo.

"There were several heterosexual couples next to us who submitted marriage registrations without any problem," she added.

The couple is now planning to take action: Along with 12 other same-sex couples, they will file lawsuits on Valentine's Day seeking to force the government to recognize gay marriage.

"Why don't we even have the simple choice of whether or not to get married?" asked Ogawa, who said she and Oe were forced to wait a long time before ultimately being turned down.

The 5 lesbian and 8 gay couples involved will file lawsuits across the country seeking damages of one million yen ($9000) a person for being denied the same legal rights as heterosexual couples.

Japan's constitution stipulates that "marriage shall be only with the mutual consent of both sexes" and the government says this means same-sex marriage is "not foreseen" in the constitution or civil law.

But lawyers for the plaintiffs and other legal experts counter that there is nothing in the constitution that would prohibit same-sex marriage.

They argue the language of the 1947 post-war constitution is only meant to ensure equality between prospective spouses and prevent forced marriages.

The government's failure to enact a law allowing same-sex marriage violates the constitutional principle that "all people are equal under the law," said Akiyoshi Miwa, who is representing some of the plaintiffs.

'AGONIZING' SITUATIONS 


A survey in January found nearly 80 percent of Japanese aged 20 to 59 support legalizing gay marriage.

Japan is the only nation from the Group of Seven countries that does not recognize same-sex unions.

Historically, Japan was broadly tolerant of homosexuality, with documented cases of samurai warriors during feudal times having male lovers.

Same-sex relationships were even depicted in traditional art, such as ukiyoe, or wood block prints.

But as Japan industrialized and modernized from the late 19th century, Western prejudices against homosexuality were increasingly adopted.

Last year, the ruling party came under fire after one of its lawmakers claimed the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community was "unproductive" because they "cannot have children."

And Oe and Ogawa say they have struggled with confusion and prejudice stemming in part from Japan's lack of marriage equality.

When the couple attended the funeral for Ogawa's mother, relatives treated Oe with suspicion, particularly when she handled condolence money.

Ogawa said many relatives quizzed her on who Oe was.

She explained: "I was tired, sad, and in such an extreme situation it was agonising to explain that we are a lesbian couple, that we are the same as a regular heterosexual couple."

"If there was a legal system of same-sex marriage, it would have been easier," she added. 

'A KEY GOAL'


In a landmark advance in 2015, Tokyo's bustling Shibuya district started issuing symbolic "partnership" certificates to same-sex couples.

Some other local governments -- including in the area where Oe and Ogawa live -- have followed suit, and corporate Japan is also showing signs of moving toward recognizing same-sex couples.

The certificate confers some rights: when Oe was hospitalized last year and needed a family member's signature, Ogawa was able to sign.

But not all gay couples in Japan live in areas with such certificates, meaning they can be prevented from visiting loved ones in hospitals or refused tenancy because their relationship is not legally recognized.

And the certificates "fail to give various legal rights and benefits that a marriage gives, such as inheritance and joint custody," said Takako Uesugi, another lawyer for the plaintiffs.

Only one partner in a same-sex couple is considered the legal parent of any children they share because gay marriages are not recognized so joint custody is considered impossible.

And a foreigner in a same-sex relationship with a Japanese partner cannot apply for spousal visas like their counterparts in heterosexual marriages.

The Valentine's Day lawsuits will seek damages, but the couples and their lawyers say they are ultimately hoping to force a change in the law.

"What we really want is a court ruling that says the failure to recognize same-sex marriage is unconstitutional," said Miwa.

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Gay couples to 'live more freely' with Thai civil unions

BANGKOK -- Luke Cassady-Dorion believed marriage was for "boring" straight people until he met the man he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. But Thailand, where they live, does not permit same-sex marriage.

So the couple wed in New York.

With Thailand set to pass a landmark law that would make it the first country in Asia to legally recognize same-sex couples as civil partners, they are hopeful the largely conservative Buddhist society is on the path to recognizing their love.

"The LGBT community in Thailand has been campaigning for equal rights for a long time, and this bill is a good and important first step," said Cassady-Dorion, who co-founded a YouTube channel with Tae, or Thapanont Phithakrattanayothin.

"When you normalize same-sex relations, it helps gay people to come out and live more freely, knowing that the government recognizes your rights," said Cassady-Dorion, who is also a yoga instructor.

Thailand has built a reputation as a place with a relaxed attitude towards gender and sexual diversity since homosexuality was decriminalized in 1956, and authorities actively promote the country as an LGBT+-friendly destination.

Yet LGBT+ people face discrimination and stigma in schools, the workplace and health facilities and are often rejected by their families, say activists.

Across Asia, conservative values and deep-rooted biases have hamstrung progress on gay rights. Taiwan voters last year rejected legalizing same-sex marriage in a referendum.

While India's top court scrapped a colonial-era ban on gay sex in 2018, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei outlaw sexual relations between men, and Indonesia has seen an increase in raids targeting LGBT+ people.

Thailand's civil partnership bill, which was approved by the Cabinet on Dec. 25, is therefore an outlier in the region, giving same-sex couples the right to register their unions, make joint medical decisions and own and inherit property.

"LGBT people in Thailand have been waiting for this for a very long time," said Vitaya Saeng-Aroon, a director at the Bangkok Rainbow Organisation.

"There are couples who have been together for 15 years, 20 years, with no recognition or legal protection; they can finally breathe more easily," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

FAMILY

But many gay people say it does not go far enough. It does not recognize marriage between same-sex partners, or give them the right to adopt or have children as a couple.

"We want to be a family with all the rights and privileges that any family has, but this bill does not give us that," said Areeya, a transgender woman who declined to give her full name for fear of criticism.

Areeya, who is Thai, and her partner Lee, who is American, have been together for 16 years, and they have each adopted a child as single persons.

"Marriage equality is what would be really meaningful but we don't know when - or even if - that will happen. We don't feel particularly compelled to register our union without any real benefits," she said as her younger son climbed on to her lap.

Campaigners also fear they will lose public support to push for full rights once the civil partnership bill is passed.

"People may say: 'You've got this, what more do you want?'" said Wannapong Yodmuang, an activist for marriage equality.

"We have campaigned for so long for equal rights, but this bill will mean we are still treated differently and given fewer rights. We are worried that people will stop fighting, and that we will lose momentum," she said.

The bill is "unlikely" to be passed before elections scheduled for March 24, and will await the new government, said Nareeluc Pairchaiyapoom, a senior official at the justice department.

Government officials have said granting marriage equality will take longer, as it requires changing people's attitudes and amending the country's Civil Code, which deals with the rights of private persons, including family law and inheritance law.

But two-thirds of Thais have no objection to same-sex unions, a survey by the United Nations Development Program found.

Thailand's marriage law can also be changed, said independent researcher Chawinroj Terapachalaphon.

"The marriage law now says "man and woman"; they just need to change it to "person". Everything else can stay the same - it is easily done, and it would ensure equal rights for everyone," he said.

"Everyone understands what marriage is, but few people understand a civil partnership, and none of the existing laws support it. What we need is a full marriage law that is clear and easy to implement, rather than something so complex."

PARTY

Others are ready to celebrate civil partnership.

"We will probably have a nice party when we register our union after the bill is passed, and some sort of a traditional ceremony as well. It's important that we celebrate it," said Ann Baker, who lives in Bangkok with her partner Suthida.

Baker, who is half English, had considered getting married in England, but wanted to have legal status in Thailand, where they both live.

"We are hopeful that we will get full marriage rights here soon, so we can start a family," Baker said.

For everyone looking to party, Cassady-Dorion and Tae - who address LGBT+ issues in Thailand on their YouTube channel Picnicly - have plenty of tips.

Their own wedding in 2014 was a "small ceremony" in Cassady-Dorion's mother's home in Niskayuna, New York, and involved the two of them cooking big batches of pad thai and green curry for the guests.

"Our wedding was the least gay thing I have ever done: it was very normal. But there really was something magical about the moment, and having our family and friends with us as we said our vows," said Cassady-Dorion.

"Marriage should be available to anyone who wants it, and we hope that Thailand will make marriage equality a reality. This bill should only be a step towards that."

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Saudi women to be told of divorce by text message under new law

LONDON/BEIRUT - Women in Saudi Arabia will be notified by text message if they are divorced under a new law designed to protect them from having their marriage ended without their knowledge, the government said on Sunday.

The new law, that came into effect on Sunday, was seen as a way to end secret divorces and ensure women are fully aware of their marital status so they can protect rights such as alimony.

The move comes as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has started to give women more rights in the conservative kingdom, which included lifting a ban on women driving last year.

"Saudi courts have started to send such (divorce) notifications ... a step aimed at protecting the rights of female clients," the Saudi Ministry of Justice said in a statement on their website.

It said women could check their marital status on the ministry's website or visit the relevant court to get a copy of divorce papers.

"In most Arab countries, men can just divorce their wives," said Suad Abu-Dayyeh from global rights group, Equality Now.

"At least women will know whether they are divorced or not. It is a tiny step, but it is a step in the right direction," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone.

But Abu-Dayyeh said knowing about a divorce does not mean a woman will get alimony or the custody of her children.

In recent years women in Saudi Arabia have been allowed to enter sports stadiums for the first time, vote in local elections, and take a greater role in the workforce as Saudi Arabia tries to diversify its oil-dependent economy.

But many Saudi women have taken to social media to push from more freedom, including protesting against the country's strict dress codes with women required to wear an abaya - a loose, all-covering robe - when in public.

Campaigners said the main sticking point remained Saudi Arabia's guardianship policy, whereby women must have permission from a male relative to work, travel, marry, and even get some medical treatment.

"The male guardianship system is a core issue and it must be dismantled. It controls women in each and every step of their lives. This system strangles Saudi women," said Abu-Dayyeh.

Although many have hailed the Saudi government's reforms, these have been accompanied by a crackdown on dissent with about a dozen female activists arrested.

In November, rights groups Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch accused Saudi Arabia of torturing and sexually harassing some detained female activists - allegations denied by a Saudi official to Reuters.

A group of British parliamentarians and lawyers on Wednesday requested an "urgent response" from the Saudi ambassador by Jan. 9 to allow them to speak with the detained activists.

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Princess Ayako marries commoner Kei Moriya, loses royal status

TOKYO - Princess Ayako, the youngest daughter of Emperor Akihito's late cousin, got married to commoner Kei Moriya on Monday at a wedding ceremony at Tokyo's Meiji Shrine.

The 28-year-old princess lost her royal status after her marriage to the 32-year-old employee of shipping company Nippon Yusen K.K. was legally registered following the ceremony.

Arriving at the shrine in traditional court clothing -- kimono robe and "hakama" skirt -- with her hair tied in the "osuberakashi" ancient style for noblewomen, the princess smiled at Moriya, who had been waiting for her in a morning suit.

The couple exchanged rings and read out the wedding oath during the Shinto ceremony attended by about 30 people including family members.

"How happy I am that many people have celebrated (our marriage). We want to make efforts to become a couple like my mother and father," the princess told reporters following the ceremony.

She also said her late father Prince Takamado, who died in 2002, "would have rejoiced at my marriage" if he were alive, adding the top hat Moriya was holding had been her father's.

Moriya said, "I want to support her firmly and hold hands to look forward and build a family full of smiles."

It was the first marriage involving an imperial family member since October 2014, when the princess' older sister Noriko, 30, married Kunimaro Senge, 45, a senior priest of Izumo Taisha, a Shinto shrine in Shimane Prefecture.

With the departure of Princess Ayako, the number of imperial family members will fall to 18 and that of female members to 13.

Emperor Akihito, 84, will also abdicate on April 30 next year after he signaled his wish to do so due to concern about his age and failing health. After retirement, he and Empress Michiko will not engage in public duties.

Hanako Takeda, a 27-year-old friend of the princess from her school days, said, "I was overwhelmed when I saw the bride and groom together as I remembered past times with the princess. I want her to create a bright family that can make everyone smile."

"I'm delighted at this happy occasion. Mr. Moriya looked cool, as he usually does. I hope they will make a wonderful couple," said Yasuyuki Goto, 33, a friend of Moriya.

The couple first met last December when they were introduced by Princess Ayako's mother Princess Hisako, who had long known Moriya's parents and met with the groom last November at a photo exhibition of a nonprofit organization supporting children in developing countries.

The widow of Prince Takamado was hoping to spark her daughter's interest in international welfare activities by meeting with Moriya, who is a board member of the nonprofit group Kokkyo Naki Kodomotachi (Children without Borders).

The princess' mother said in a statement she had raised her daughter to "prepare for the day when she stands up for herself" and hopes the couple "will build a good family full of joy and happiness."

On Tuesday, a banquet will be held at Hotel New Otani in Tokyo, attended by Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, the heads of the three branches of government as well as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who will make a congratulatory speech.

The couple is not planning a honeymoon.

Princess Ayako graduated from Josai International University in Chiba Prefecture and earned a master's degree there in 2016. She is currently working as a research fellow in the university's Faculty of Social Work Studies.

Moriya went to kindergarten in Paris and attended schools in Switzerland and Britain before graduating from Tokyo's Keio University. He enjoys running in marathons and competing in triathlons.

Under the Imperial House Law, women lose their royal title after marrying a commoner, but the shrinking number of imperial family members has raised concerns about the stability of the imperial succession and how to alleviate the burden of performing public duties on the remaining members.

On Friday, Imperial Household Agency officials said the princess will retain honorary positions at two organizations even after leaving the imperial family, in what would be the first such instance.

Based on the law on imperial household finance, the princess will receive about 107 million yen ($950,000) from the state.

==Kyodo

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Britain's Princess Eugenie gets engaged

LONDON - Britain's Princess Eugenie of York has got engaged, Buckingham Palace announced Monday, lining up a second royal wedding this year at the church where Prince Harry will tie the knot.

Eugenie, who is eighth in line to the throne, will marry her boyfriend Jack Brooksbank in late 2018, the palace said.

Eugenie, 27, is the younger daughter of Queen Elizabeth II's second son Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, and his ex-wife Sarah.

"The Duke and Duchess of York are delighted to announce the engagement of Princess Eugenie to Mr Jack Brooksbank," Buckingham Palace said.

"Her Royal Highness and Mr Brooksbank became engaged in Nicaragua earlier this month.

"The wedding will take place in the autumn of 2018 at St George's Chapel in Windsor, with further details to be announced in due course."

The church in the grounds of Windsor Castle, west of London, is where Eugenie's first cousin Harry is set to marry US actress Meghan Markle on May 19.

Eugenie showed off her engagement ring, an oval padparadscha sapphire surrounded by diamonds, in pictures released by Buckingham Palace.

Eugenie and her fiance began dating around seven years ago after they met while skiing in the Swiss resort of Verbier.

Socialite Brooksbank is the UK brand ambassador of Casamigos tequila, which was co-founded by US actor George Clooney. Brooksbank used to be the manager of posh central London nightspot Mahiki.

Andrew and Sarah married in 1986. They divorced 10 years later but remain close. Their daughters are Princesses Beatrice, 29, and Eugenie.

'SOLID ROCK'  

Andrew said he was "really thrilled" at the news.

"Jack is an absolutely outstanding young man and Eugenie and he have got to know each other over a number of years," he said.

The duke said attention would turn to wedding planning and "getting it all organised" but "we can't fix a date yet, we've got to look at everyone's diaries".

Voicing her "total joy", Sarah said on Twitter: "The river flows well to its destiny because of the guidance of a solid rock."

Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip "are very pleased and wish the couple all the best," a Buckingham Palace spokesman said.

Prime Minister Theresa May also sent her "very best wishes", saying: "congratulations to the happy couple".

Aged 12, Eugenie had back surgery to correct scoliosis and has two titanium rods in her back. She is now patron of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, which carried out the operation.

She went to Newcastle University and graduated with a degree in English literature, art history and politics.

Eugenie rarely carries out public duties on behalf of Queen Elizabeth and works for the Hauser and Wirth art gallery in London as an associate director. She is also the patron of several charities.

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Javi Martinez shares details of wedding to Tim Yap

MANILA – Host Tim Yap and events director Javi Martinez surprised their social media followers early this week as they announced that they got married in New York.

The couple’s wedding ceremony last Christmas Day was so simple and intimate that it only involved four other people – the officiant, the events manager of Peninsula New York, and two witnesses.

They chose their friend Marcel Crespo and Broadway star Lea Salonga to witness their union at the hotel rooftop.

“We have this shared love for Lea, and she and Tim have been friends for a long time,” Martinez said in an interview with Preview.ph published Tuesday.

“When I found out that we needed a witness for our ceremony, the first name that came to mind was [hers]. We knew she was going to be in New York [at the time] to perform for ‘Once on this Island’ as Ezrulie the Goddess of Love. And true enough, we were blessed by her love.”

When asked why they opted for a low-key wedding in New York, a far cry from the extravagant events they organize in Manila, Martinez replied: “It was actually Tim’s idea to keep it simple. We are used to creating huge and extravagant productions for our clients. I’m [usually] busy taking care of every single detail, but this time I wanted to enjoy with Tim and just focus on ourselves, without having to face an audience. This time, we wanted to focus on our message for each other.”

Martinez went on to share that “everything fell into place in just one day.”

“On the day [itself] in the morning, we met with our friends from The Peninsula New York, found an officiant, and scouted for a venue within the hotel. After lunch, we went to the City Clerks Office to file our marriage license. And while walking back to the hotel, we bought our outfits along 5th Avenue,” he recalled.

To same-sex couples who are considering getting married, Martinez gave this advice: “When you believe you make each other better individuals and bring out the best in each other, I think it is but right to take it to the next level. Don’t be afraid of it. It’s something to look forward to and embrace.”

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Australia celebrates 'day for love', allows same-sex marriage

SYDNEY - Australia became the 26th nation to legalize same-sex marriage on Thursday, prompting cheers and singing from a packed parliament public gallery in a country where some states ruled homosexual acts to be illegal until just 20 years ago.

Lawmakers, who had cast aside a conservative push to allow religious objectors to refuse service to same-sex couples, waved rainbow flags and embraced on the floor of the chamber, where earlier in the debate a politician had proposed to his same-sex partner.

Fewer than five of 150 MPs voted against the law.

"What a day. What a day for love, for equality, for respect," said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. "...It is time for more marriages."

The laws, which will also recognize same-sex marriages solemnized in foreign countries, take effect from Saturday. Because a month's notice is required for the state to recognize a marriage, the first legal same-sex unions will be in January.

Australians had overwhelmingly endorsed legalizing same-sex marriage in a postal survey run by the national statistics agency.


The bill cleared the upper house last month and had been expected to pass on Thursday after Turnbull's Liberal-National coalition government and the main opposition Labor Party had previously said they wanted to pass it by Dec. 7.

But religious organisations and conservative lawmakers had voiced strong opposition and proposed dozens of amendments.

During parliamentary debate, they pressed for broad protections for religious objectors, among them florists and bankers, to refuse service to same-sex couples.

"These amendments, rather, are a shield for people and organisations that hold to a traditional view of marriage. They are not a sword to be wielded in the service of bigotry," government MP Andrew Hastie said in parliament.

Amendments to permit lay celebrants to decline to solemnise same-sex marriages and businesses opposed to the unions to refuse service at wedding receptions were all defeated, one after the other, during three days of debate.

"Love has won, and it's time to pop the bubbly," Greens MP and same-sex marriage supporter Adam Bandt said.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Britain's Prince Harry to marry US actress Meghan Markle

LONDON - Britain's Prince Harry is engaged to his U.S. actress girlfriend Meghan Markle with the marriage due to take place in the spring of 2018, his father Prince Charles announced in a statement on Monday.

Harry, 33, currently fifth-in-line to the British throne, and Markle, 36, best known for her role in the U.S. TV legal drama "Suits", became engaged earlier this month, the statement issued by Clarence House said.

"Prince Harry has informed Her Majesty The Queen and other close members of his family. Prince Harry has also sought and received the blessing of Ms Markle's parents," the statement said.

The couple met in July 2016 after they were introduced through friends.

The prince publicly confirmed their relationship months later in a rebuke to the media, which had been intruding into Markle's private life, but it was not until September that they made their first public appearance together at the Invictus Games in Toronto, a sports event for wounded veterans.

"We are incredibly happy for Meghan and Harry. Our daughter has always been a kind and loving person. To see her union with Harry, who shares the same qualities, is a source of great joy for us as parents," Markle's parents Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland said in a statement.

"We wish them a lifetime of happiness and are very excited for their future together.

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Here's a look at Anne, Erwan's wedding video

Newly married couple Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff on Saturday treated "It's Showtime" fans to a preview of their blissful New Zealand wedding.

While photos of their swoon-worthy Nov. 12 wedding have already captured the hearts of many, the video of Anne and Erwan's big day showed a more intimate look at the couple.

Put together by videographer Jason Magbanua, the video showed glimpses of the couple's pre-wedding jitters, with an excited Anne jumping on the bed before her wedding and a nervous Erwan saying "Let's do it. No backing out now."

The video also showed scenes of the couple on the edge of a mountain capturing the beautiful view of Queenstown.

But what would probably be the most heartwarming part of the video was Anne's emotional walk down the aisle with a teary Erwan waiting at the altar. The video also captured the couple's first kiss as Mr. and Mrs. Heussaff.

The "It's Showtime" host and her chef beau, who began dating in 2011, exchanged vows less than a year after getting engaged in December.

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LOOK: Rochelle Pangilinan ties the knot

MANILA – Former Sexbomb dancer Rochelle Pangilinan married her long-time boyfriend, Arthur Solinap, in Tagaytay on Tuesday.

The couple exchanged vows in a Christian ceremony at Los Arboles. Pangilinan wore a stunning mermaid dress with a fully embroidered and crystallized cape by Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco.

Some of the celebrities in attendance include Vic Sotto and Pauline Luna, Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid, Tito Sotto, Joey de Leon, Allan K, John Arcilla, Ruby Rodriguez, Gloc-9, Dingdong Dantes, Michael V, Sunshine Dizon, Jolina Magdangal, Hayden Kho, and sisters Angelika and Mika dela Cruz.

Here are some photos from the wedding shared in social media:

Pangilinan and Solinap got engaged in 2016 after dating for seven years.

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Malta says yes to same-sex marriage

VALLETTA - Malta's parliament voted Wednesday to allow same-sex couples to marry, three years after passing a law permitting civil partnerships in the overwhelmingly Catholic country.

Lawmakers gave near-unanimous approval to the bill, which represents a major step for LGBT rights on the island, which legalized divorce only in 2011 and where abortion is outlawed.

Malta, the EU's smallest nation, becomes the bloc's 15th member to legalize same-sex unions.

The vote was one of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat's first actions following his election victory last month.

"It's a historic vote. This shows that our democracy and society have reached a level of maturity and we can now say that we are all equal," he said after the text was passed.

"Pledge delivered, future secured," he later tweeted.

The Catholic church was solidly opposed to the bill but gay rights activists on Wednesday hailed the result, rallying outside the premier's office in downtown Valetta.

The facade of the building was lit in rainbow colors and the slogan: "We've made history".

'WHOEVER THEY LOVE'

All but one lawmaker supported the new law, which will now open the door for same-sex couples to adopt. Previously this was possible only if one person applied rather than as a couple.

Though Malta scores relatively well in European-wide freedom indexes, society in the tiny Mediterranean island is still influenced by religion.

A major bone of contention ahead of the vote was a change in legal jargon to replace terms such as husband, wife, mother and father with more gender-neutral phrasing such as partner or parent.

On Tuesday evening, opponents of the measure held a silent vigil outside parliament, but Wednesday's vote was hailed by many commenters on social media.

"Now I'm proud to be a dad who can tell my boys that whoever they are and whoever they love, they can still call Malta home," said one Twitter user.

Since gay unions were approved in 2014, 141 couples have taken advantage of the partnerships, while 22 others who had gotten married outside the country had registered their unions.

The Netherlands was the first European country to legalize same-sex marriage, in 2001, with the most recent being Germany on June 30 after a surprising shift on the issue by Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Gay marriage has also been approved in Canada and the United States, and in four South American countries, though it remains illegal in most of Africa and Asia.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Football star Messi weds childhood sweetheart

ROSARIO, Argentina - Lionel Messi said "I do" to childhood sweetheart Antonella Roccuzzo Friday in his Argentine hometown Rosario, where footballers and celebrities including pop singer Shakira had gathered for the "wedding of the century."

Following the private ceremony, the couple appeared happy and relaxed as they walked a red carpet before hundreds of media at a hotel and casino complex, Roccuzzo donning a tight, mermaid-style gown by Spanish designer Rosa Clara.

Shakira and her husband, Messi's teammate Gerard Pique, flew in to join the 260 guests including numerous footballers such as Messi's Barcelona strike partners Neymar and Luis Suarez.

Argentine media called it the "wedding of the century" for Rosario, the gritty northern port city where Messi, 30, and his bride, 29, met when the player was nine years old.

Former Barca and current Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas was in attendance, along with Argentina and Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero.

ROAST GIZZARDS

The party was to be a respite for Messi from his legal woes. A Spanish court last month rejected his appeal against a conviction for tax fraud.

Brunette bride Roccuzzo wore a white, curve-hugging dress with a deep sweetheart neckline and embroidered straps by Rosa Clara- a Spanish designer who has dressed actress Eva Longoria and Spain's Queen Letizia.

The wedding was held at 2200 GMT in the City Center casino, which stands right next to a crime-ridden slum run by drug gangs.

The civil wedding ceremony and party were all slated to take place inside the venue, and the guests will be lodged there too.

The feast will reportedly feature Argentine delicacies such as roast gizzards.

Uruguayan pop bands Rombai and Marama plus singer Karina, Aguero's wife, will perform at the reception.

There were also rumors that there would be singing by Shakira, the Colombian diva famous for "Hips Don't Lie" and "Whenever, Wherever."

Shakira had recently denied rumors that she would miss the wedding due to a quarrel with Roccuzzo.

HUMBLE COUPLE

Messi and Roccuzzo live in Barcelona where he plays, but still return regularly to Rosario for vacations.

He moved to Spain when he was 13 to join FC Barcelona, but the couple kept in touch.

Messi has gone on to win the top Ballon d'Or award five times. He is widely regarded as the world's best footballer.

But various old friends of the couple in their home city said the bride and groom are humble folk who have never forgotten where they come from.

"They are the love of each other's lives," Messi's childhood friend Diego Vallejos told AFP.

Instead of wedding presents, they have asked for donations to a children's charity.

'LEO AND ANTO'

The couple have reportedly spent the past two weeks in Rosario with family, but have kept out of sight of the reporters who have invaded the city.

Rumors circulated of bachelor and bachelorette parties, but the only evidence that emerged was a photo, posted by ex-Barca goalkeeper Jose Pinto, of Messi enjoying a barbecue with a few friends.

Some friends of Roccuzzo have shared pictures of her relaxing with relatives.

On the eve of the wedding, a festive atmosphere reigned in the Las Heras neighborhood where Messi grew up.

"We will celebrate," said Damian Lugoni, 27, a local sausage sandwich vendor.

"I wish good luck to Leo and Anto, who is just as simple and nice as him."

"We are all happy for them," said Lisandro Urteaga, an artist who was called in to paint a mural of Messi in the neighborhood for the occasion.

"Let him celebrate the way someone like him deserves. He is a real example as a human being - although when he plays football he doesn't seem to be from this planet."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Janet Jackson splits with husband three months after birth of son: reports

Pop star Janet Jackson has split up with her Qatari businessman husband just three months after giving birth to her first child, according to media reports.

People magazine, Us Weekly and Entertainment Tonight all said sources had confirmed that Jackson, 50, and Wissam Al Mana had broken up after five years of marriage.

Representatives for the singer declined to confirm the split, which follows the birth in January of Jackson's first child, a boy the couple named Eissa.

Britain's Mail on Sunday publication, which was among the first to report the separation, quoted a source close to the singer as saying it was amicable. It was not known when the couple separated.

"They're both busy people but determined to be good parents, even if they're apart. It's amicable and Eissa will stay with his mother, who is basing herself in London," the source told the Mail on Sunday.

Jackson and Al Mana, 43, married in 2012, and a year ago the singer postponed her "Unbreakable" world tour so they could focus on starting a family.

Jackson, the fiercely private youngest child of the famed Jackson singing family, had two previous marriages: a year-long union with soul singer James DeBarge in the mid 1980s, and to dancer Rene Elizondo Jr from 1991-2000.

(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Frances Kerry)

source: news.abs-cbn.com