Are corporations pushing for LGBT rights?

Meanwhile, more Japanese prefectures begin offering partnership registries

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Starting tomorrow, Gifu prefecture in Japan becomes the 14^th with an active registry for same-sex partners. While these registries are not legally binding, they can allow couples to access certain government services and housing. Two more prefectures – Shimane and Tottori – are set to begin registering couples in October.

Pink prefectures have registries in place as of tomorrow; Blue have registries in law that aren’t in effect yet; Green do not have prefecture-wide systems, but have them in each municipality.

Meanwhile, Reuters has a report on how greater LGBT rights could help Asian financial hubs attract top talent. It’s interesting how there aren’t any reports suggesting that anti-gay laws attract talent, isn’t it? The report suggests that corporations that seek to benefit from attracting this talent are also working to – and must work harder at – supporting LGBT communities in Asia.

Over in Europe, several large multinationals are planning to release an open letter calling on the prime minister and government to support a same-sex marriage bill that is winding its way through Parliament. Prime Minister Fiala has publicly opposed same-sex marriage, although it’s possible that when the bill returns from committee this fall, it passes with cross-party support. Recently elected President Pavel supports equal marriage.

The Asia News Network has a story about the first lesbian in South Korea to become a mother, which, can’t possibly be fact-checked when you think about it. Nevertheless, it highlights the obstacles queer couples face in Korea with starting families.

As Nepal prepares to celebrate Pride, a June Supreme Court order to allow same-sex marriage still has not taken effect, and the couple’s appeal for intervention has been on hold for weeks.

Mississippi has its first openly gay state legislator, following a runoff in the Democratic primary. The Republicans are not fielding a candidate in the district, so Fabian Nelson automatically wins the district and will be sworn in ahead of the next legislative session in January.