British Man Petitions Government for Right to Marry Anime Character

A man from Portsmouth has sparked national debate after launching a formal petition requesting legal recognition of his relationship with an anime character. The 29-year-old IT technician, identified only as Daniel M., claims he has been in a “committed emotional partnership” with Akiya Tanaka, a fictional character from the 2006 Japanese series Galaxy Maidens, for over three years.

According to Daniel, their connection is “more real than most human relationships.” In his statement to the press, he explained, “Akiya understands me. She never interrupts, she never judges, and she always looks perfect — even in 480p.”

His petition, titled Love Is 2D But Valid, has already gathered over 15,000 signatures online. It calls on Parliament to recognise “cross-dimensional partnerships” and to grant fictional characters the same marriage rights as “any other emotionally supportive entity, such as an Alexa or a houseplant.”

Critics have dismissed the campaign as absurd, but Daniel insists it’s about equality. “People laughed at online dating once,” he said. “Now everyone does it. This is just the next step. Love evolves. So should paperwork.”

Legal experts are divided on the issue. Family law barrister Sheila Corbyn commented, “While the UK’s current legal framework does not allow marriage to a drawing, it doesn’t technically forbid it either — assuming the drawing can consent, file taxes, and attend a registry office without being carried in a USB stick.”

Local reactions in Portsmouth have been mixed. One neighbour told The Daily Edition, “He seems happy enough. He talks to his monitor in the garden sometimes, but who doesn’t?” Meanwhile, a nearby church has already issued a statement preemptively declining to host the ceremony, citing “practical concerns regarding confetti and screen glare.”

Daniel remains undeterred. He has begun crowdfunding for what he describes as “Britain’s first mixed-reality wedding,” complete with a holographic bride, virtual guests, and a toast made in binary. “I know people will judge,” he said. “But love isn’t about what’s real — it’s about what you can download.”

Government officials have not yet responded to the petition, though one unnamed MP was overheard muttering, “We survived Brexit, but I don’t know if we can survive this.”