LGBTQ rights in Palau | |
---|---|
Status | Legal since 2014 |
Military | Has no military |
Discrimination protections | No |
Family rights | |
Recognition of relationships | No |
Restrictions | Same-sex marriage constitutionally banned |
Adoption | No |
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]