Stars and Stripes reports from Japan that “the Japanese government said Friday that it has no issue with the U.S. military allowing same-sex spouses to accompany servicemembers or civilian workers stationed here.”

“Some gay spouses headed to Japan have been denied federal benefits granted to straight partners, such as housing, medical treatment and shopping on U.S. installations, due to concerns that gay marriage is not authorized under a 53-year-old status of forces agreement governing troops in the country, according to The Washington Post.”