Fiji

At a glance

Same Sex Relations Legal? YES

Legal Gender Recognition Possible? NO

LGBTI Orgs Able to Register? YES

Actions Related to SOGI at the UN 2016: Supported IE SOGI   IE SOGI refers to the UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity

Overview

Fiji has made progress on LGBTIQ issues in the last decade; however, LGBTIQ people still face barriers to full equality. Same-sex relations were decriminalized in 2010, and Fiji is one of few countries in the world to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in its constitution. Although Fiji does not have a law banning “conversion therapy,” it prohibits health professionals from attempting to change a person’s sexual orientation. Fiji has a traditional third gender population, known as the vaka sa lewa lewa, who were assigned male at birth and present themselves and/or identify as women, yet Fiji does not allow for legal gender recognition. Hate speech from politicians and religious leaders remains prominent. However, the LGTBIQ community is experiencing greater visibility and acceptance, particularly in urban centers.