Japanese human rights groups have called for legislation banning discrimination against sexual minorities after Prime Minister Kishida Fumio dismissed a top aide for offensive comments on same-sex couples.

Arai Masayoshi told reporters last week that he doesn't want to see same-sex couples.

Members of the Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation and other human rights advocates held a joint news conference at the welfare ministry on Tuesday.

Anma Yuki, a senior member of the Japan Alliance, said many people concerned have given up hope for improvement. She said it is intolerable that discriminatory remarks came from someone closest to the prime minister, hurting people who are said to be at a high risk of suicide amid discrimination and prejudice.

A signature campaign started on Sunday, calling for legislation banning discrimination against sexual minorities. More than 36,000 people had signed a petition for that purpose as of Tuesday morning.

Matsuoka Soshi, who started the petition, said the derogatory remarks symbolized the gap between politics and public opinion. He stressed the need for legislation that clearly bans discrimination, rather than just calling for understanding of sexual minorities.