A set of revised bills on measures to prevent the number of imperial family members from dwindling included a controversial clause that could affect the imperial succession line, triggering criticism from opposition parties.
After months of discussion at a parliamentary panel, the Cabinet approved bills Tuesday evening that would allow female royals to remain in the imperial family after marriage and allow former male royals along the male succession line to be reinstated into the imperial family via adoption.
The revisions also stipulate the adopted individuals will not be heirs to the throne, but their male offspring will be ¡ª a point of contention.
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