Japan's Supreme Court Rules Restrictions on Transgender Employee's Bathroom Use Illegal

The unanimous ruling said restrictions imposed by a government ministry were "extremely inappropriate" and "abuse of power."
The decision is seen as a landmark victory for LGBTQ rights in Japan, which lacks legal protections for sexual minorities.
Activists hope the ruling sets a precedent for promoting equality, but Japan still lags behind other major nations on LGBTQ issues.
The transgender plaintiff in the case had been barred from using women's restrooms at her government workplace.
Advocates continue pushing Japan to enact anti-discrimination laws, allow same-sex marriage and expand rights.