Panasonic recognizes same-sex marriages

Panasonic Corp. said on Thursday it will recognize same-sex marriages in its employment policies in a rare move for a major Japanese manufacturer.

Although details are being worked out, some of the benefits currently allocated to married employees include maternity leave, health insurance and a small cash bonus, said spokeswoman Chieko Gyobu. Panasonic said the new policy will take effect in April.

The Osaka-based maker of Viera TVs and Lumix digital cameras says it has been studying lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues for more than a decade. It is one of Japan's biggest companies and counts the US, Europe and China among its overseas markets.