Japanese same-sex couples sue for equal marital rights

Thirteen same-sex couples are filing Japan’s first lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the country’s rejection of same-sex marriage.

The Valentine Day lawsuits to be filed in Tokyo and in other courts around the country on Thursday argue that the law violates same-sex couples’ constitutional rights to equality. They want the government to follow the example of many other nations in guaranteeing marital freedom. - AP

Substitute Asensio strikes late, Real Madrid beats Ajax 2-1

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their first goal as Ajax fans throw plastic cups of beer   | Photo Credit: Reuters

Substitute Marco Asensio scored a late winner as defending champion Real Madrid beat Ajax 2-1 in the first leg of their round-of-16 match in the Champions League. Ajax looked on course for a draw at the Johan Cruyff Arena when Hakim Ziyech shot under Thibaut Courtois in the 75th minute to cancel out Karim Benzema’s opener 15 minutes earlier. - AP