[Regarding real estate companies' "LGBT-free" notices] 3 October 2024

"Unofficial Japanese-to-English translation by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre"

... It has been reported that a real estate company in Fukuoka City has stated "LGBT not allowed" in its tenant recruitment requirements. If the business practice of using such notations is widespread, it is discriminatory treatment in and of itself, and we express our deep regret...

Regarding the inclusion of "LGBT not allowed" in documents provided to customers, the company commented that it was "inappropriate and misleading," and explained that this behavior did not arise from prejudice or discriminatory beliefs.

However, many prejudices arise from innocent assumptions and preconceived notions, and treating certain groups differently on the basis of such prejudices is indeed discriminatory treatment...

We recognise that the fundamental reason behind this is that there are a large number of landlords who refuse to accept same-sex couples as tenants...

This type of discriminatory treatment regarding housing is common among sexual minorities, and they have difficulty securing housing. In order to achieve equal treatment regarding "shelter," one of the basic necessities of human life, the "SOGI Anti-Discrimination Act," which our association has been working on since its founding, is essential. This case has once again highlighted the necessity of such a law...