No, said Aziraphale, it's ineffable.

Multiple Japanese Cities to Accept Same-Sex Partnerships This April and Beyond

yurimother

Currently, same-sex partnerships are not legally recognized at a federal level. However, 11 cities and municipalities recognize and provide certificates and limited benefits to same-sex couples.

After a lot of pushing and hard work by some fantastic organizations, this list of 11 is set to increase greatly.

As of April 1st, 2019, Hida, Fuchū, Yokosuka, Kumamoto, and Sōja will all recognize same-sex couples. Later that month, on the April 22nd, Odawara is set to follow suit and Sakai on the 30th.

Several months from now in June Miyazaki will begin issuing certificates, as well as Kitakyushu a month later in July 2019. Narashino is set to do the same at an undetermined point in 2020.

In addition to these confirmed cities, same-sex partnership recognition is being considered in many other cities and wards including Abashiri, Hanno, Iruma, Kazo, Sakado, Hachioji, Sumida, Koto, Kita, Arakawa, Chiyoda, and more!

Ibaraki may also become the first prefecture (one of 47 areas dividing Japan’s administration) to recognize same-sex couples, as it is set to consider a proposal to issue certificates this April.

*Photo credit Yoshikazu Tsuno/Getty

Keep reading

journeyearth

This duck got himself all in a flap after inadvertently straying into the path of a giant Shoebill while heading towards water.

But it was all water off a duck’s back for the imposing 4ft tall bird which instead of eating his smaller friend, carefully picked him up in his beak and moved him aside.

Despite its fearsome reputation as a predator around water, the Shoebill seemed more concerned with completing its journey than tucking into a feathered snack.

These extraordinary pictures were captured by 51-year-old amateur photographer Mark Kay, at the San Diego Wild Animal Park in the U.S.

‘I thought the Shoebill was going to eat the duck, but soon realised he was moving him out of the way.

‘After the duck fell to the ground, he seemed flustered and just walked away. The Shoebill just carried on.’

Credit / Full Article can be found HERE