Fighting for Marriage Equality in Japan
Sakata Machi and Theresa Sakata are a lesbian couple living in Kyoto Prefecture. They were officially wed in Theresa's native US, but as their union isn't legally recognized in Japan, the two aren't family under the law. Thanks to donor insemination, Theresa became a mother, but Machi cannot officially be the child's parent. We follow the couple's efforts to overcome obstacles in their pursuit for marriage equality. (This program was broadcast on November 9, 2022.)
Machi and Theresa held their wedding ceremony in the US.
They decided to have a child through donor insemination.
In June 2022, the couple and other plaintiffs heard the district court ruling on their 2019 lawsuit for marriage equality.
Because their marriage isn't legal in Japan, Machi cannot be recognized as the child's parent. They wish to be able to legally form a family as soon as possible.