Decriminalization,ina;ize LGBT People in the Pacific Islands

he purpose of this petition is to protect and promote the human rights of gender and sexual minorities in the Pacific Islands. It is directed to the the Pacific Island Forum (PIF)*, the region's premier inter-governmental policy organization, which officially states that “we support full inclusivity, equity and equality for all people of the Pacific.” 

In fact, seven of the PIF member states still maintain colonial-era laws that criminalize the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people by a variety of harsh measures including lengthy imprisonment and corporal punishment (whipping). The existence of such laws, irrespective of the degree of enforcement, reinforce negative attitudes about LGBT people that persist throughout the region.

As a result, LGBT people in the Pacific face severe challenges that begin at an early age due to the persecution and rejection suffered in their own homes, churches, schools, and communities. These challenges include risk of murder, rape, assault, torture, arbitrary arrest, discrimination in access to health care, employment, housing and education, repression of freedom of expression and association, attacks and restrictions on human rights advocates and defenders, denial of police services, extortion, bullying, denial of one’s self-defined gender identity, and other abuses.

Therefore, on behalf of the members, friends, allies and families of all gender and sexual minorities in the Pacific Islands,+we respectfully request the PIF Chair, Leaders, and Member States to 

Denounce transphobic and homophobic bigotry and discrimination across the Pacific Islands

Establish a process leading to the decriminalization of LGBT lives in all member states

Promote positive policies that include gender and sexual minorities in the decision-making process