LGBT rights in Palau

LGBTQ rights in Palau
StatusLegal since 2014
MilitaryHas no military
Discrimination protectionsNo
Family rights
Recognition of relationshipsNo
RestrictionsSame-sex marriage constitutionally banned
AdoptionNo

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Palau do not possess the same legal protections as non-LGBT residents, and may face social challenges that are not experienced by others. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal in Palau since 23 July 2014, when the current Penal Code took effect,[1][2] but households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex married couples. Same-sex marriage is constitutionally banned, and there are no anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation and gender identity.

In 2011, Palau 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.[3]

  1. ^ "Palau decriminalises sex between men". GayNZ.com. 15 October 2014. Archived from the original on 14 February 2017.
  2. ^ "New Penal Code takes effect". Island Times. 25 July 2014. Archived from the original on 24 October 2014.
  3. ^ "Over 80 Nations Support Statement at Human Rights Council on LGBT Rights » US Mission Geneva". Geneva.usmission.gov.