Marshall Islands

In the Marshall Islands, same-sex sexual activity is legal, although same-sex couples cannot adopt or enter into marriage or civil unions. The Gender Equality Act of 2019 bans gender discrimination, including multiple and intersectional discrimination, in employment and includes sexual orientation as a protected identity under these provisions. There have been few reports of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. “Brighten the Rainbow” is the first known LGBTIQ initiative in the Marshall Islands, and the project focuses on support for LGBTIQ youth. Diversity in gender identity and expression can be seen in kakōl, who may live among women and adopt traditionally feminine roles in society. In 2011, the Marshall Islands joined over 80 countries in signing the United Nations’ "joint statement on ending acts of violence and related human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity.”