Fumio Kirishida, Japan's Prime Minister has fired an aide to the government who made disparaging remarks about LGBT couples.

Kishida had discussed issues surrounding same-sex marital relationships in parliament. He stated that it was important to carefully consider the potential effects on traditional family structures before allowing same-sex married.

Arai responded to the comments by telling reporters that he wouldn't like it if [LGBT] couples lived next door and that he doesn't want to even look at them.

He added that it would "change the way society is" and "quite a few people would abandon this country," according to Kyodo News.

In response, Kishida said he had dismissed Arai, adding: "We have been respecting diversity and realizing an inclusive society."

Kishida stated that the comments were "outrageous", and "completely incompatible " with his government’s policies.

Arai later apologized, stating that his remarks were not appropriate and were not representative of the prime minister's views.

Japan is a country still largely bound by traditional gender roles and family values and is the only G7 nation that does not recognize same-sex marriage although recent polling suggests most Japanese people are now in support of gay marriage.

Also, a number of same-sex couples have also filed lawsuits across Japan in recent years arguing that the ban on same-sex marriage violates the country's constitution.

Vb