Japanese Ban on
Gay Magazines in Jails Is Challenged

A 30-year-old detainee in the Tokyo Detention House has been denied the right to read gay magazines, The Japan Times reports.

The Tokyo Bar Association on Thursday warned the jail that its decision to ban the material violates the freedom to read, which is guaranteed under Japan's constitution. The prisoner, who was being held on drug and robbery charges, asked for gay magazines but was not given them. Detention house officials said that gay magazines contain explicit content that may interfere with discipline.

While Japan's major political parties do not express much public support for LGBT causes, there are no laws against homosexual activity in the nation. (The Advocate)