LGBTQ rights in Vanuatu | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Status | Legal, age of consent equalised in 2007[1] |
| Gender identity | No |
| Military | No standing army |
| Discrimination protections | Some employment protections for sexual orientation |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | No, banned since 2024[2] |
| Adoption | No |
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Vanuatu may face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex married couples. In November 2024, legislative action certified a ban on any religious, civil and traditional marriages between two people of the same sex.[3][4]
In 2011, Vanuatu signed the "joint statement on ending acts of violence and related human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity" at the United Nations, condemning violence and discrimination against LGBT people.[5]
VPride Foundation is a Ni-Vanuatu human rights group that advocates for LGBT rights, freedom of speech and freedom of religion. The group, established in 2009, has organised many events to raise awareness of LGBT people in Vanuatu. Some of these events have been attended by government officials.[6]
- ^ "Submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review regarding the protection of the rights of LGBTI persons in Vanuatu" (PDF). Kaleidoscope Human Rights Foundation and the VPride Foundation. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 May 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
- ^ [1]
- ^ [2]
- ^ [3]
- ^ "Over 80 Nations Support Statement at Human Rights Council on LGBT Rights » US Mission Geneva". Geneva.usmission.gov. 22 March 2011.
- ^ "VPride Foundation and Vanuatu Women's Centre hold first LGBTI Human Rights workshop together". 28 October 2016.