Netherlands: Gay Dutch royalty can marry and keep the crown
Reuters reported on October 12 that the Netherlands, the first country to legalize Gay marriage, has made it legal for the Dutch crown princess to marry someone of any gender without losing her right to the crown. The decision came from the Dutch prime minister after several books were published arguing that Dutch law excluded same-sex marriage as a possibility for Dutch royalty. Reuters noted that royal marriages require the approval of the Dutch parliament, and that several heirs have canceled weddings when Parliament didn't approve.

Japan: Biggest opposition party emphasizes LGBTQ rights
Reuters reported October 13 on the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan's recently unveiled campaign platform, which sets it apart from the ruling conservative party by supporting same-sex marriage, LGBTQ equality laws, and different surnames for couples. CDPJ leader Yukio Edano said the party would emphasize "legal steps toward diversity." Airo Hino, a political science professor at Waseda University in Tokyo, said the CDPJ has otherwise had trouble differentiating itself from the ruling party.