OSAKA, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- The city of Takarazuka in western Japan said on Monday that it will issue certificates recognizing same-sex partnership as being equivalent to marriage from next June, local media reported.

The city will set guidelines by next March regarding the issuance of such certificates, and holders of the certificates will be treated the same as married couples with regards to application of city-run apartments and other services, said Tomoko Nakagawa, mayor of Takarazuka.

The city also plans to set up a telephone counseling service around May for Takarazuka residents who are sexual minorities, said Nakagawa.

Same-sex marriages are not legally allowed in Japan. People in same-sex relationships often face discrimination when looking for houses together or visiting partners in hospitals as they are not relatives.

Tokyo's Shibuya and Setagaya wards became Japan's first and second local governments to recognize same-sex couples on Nov. 5.

Though the certificates are not legally binding, they are regarded by many as a big step forward for eliminating discrimination against sexual minorities in Japan.