In this morning, when my 5-year-old and I were taking a walk, he asked me a question:
He: Is it possible for a man and a man to marry?
Me: Oh sure! It’s possible in many countries, including US, but not in Japan yet.
He: Why not?
Me: Well, Japan is behind the times.
He: What do you mean??
Me: Well, Japan is an old country, and there are still so many people who believe only a man and a woman can marry, which is untrue.
In reality, a man and a man, or a woman and a woman can marry. And Japan is getting closer. It’s going to be legalized soon.
He: Right? They can marry. And a man and a man or a woman and a woman can make a baby???”
Me: No, they can’t.
He: I knew it! That’s not good, isn’t that?
Me: Not really. There are many married people who are happy without any children.
He: But they are lonely without children, aren’t they?
Me: Well, not necessarily. But many same-sex married people get babies from others.
He: That’s not good, isn’t that!?
Me: Oh, there are actually so many babies who don’t have parents, and they really need parents.
He: Is it right!? Why don’t they have parents?”
Me: Well, there are so many different situations. But isn’t it good that a married couple who really wants a baby but doesn’t have any will get a baby who really needs parents?”
He: Yes! This is good. Then why can’t they marry in Japan?
Me: Well, Japan is behind the times. But no worry. It’s going to be possible soon.
He: That’s good!
I think he remembered a recent conversation between my wife and I when I excitedly told her a news that a superior court in Japan just decided that it’s a violation of the constitution that Japanese government doesn’t allow same-sex couples to marry.
