User:Aisre01/LGBT rights in Papua New Guinea

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Papua New Guinea face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Male same-sex sexual activity is illegal, punishable by up to 14 years' imprisonment, but the law is not enforced. There are no legal restrictions against lesbian sex in the country.

Attitudes towards LGBT people are greatly influenced by Christian churches, as a majority of Papua New Guineans are Christian. Historically, gay men had certain societal roles. They would take on traditional female roles such as cooking and would participate with women in traditional festivals. However, some tribes were observed to have practiced ritual homosexuality such as the Etoro people and the Sambia people.

'''A lot of the attitudes towards LBGT people are also influenced by Australia's early occupation of Papua New Guinea. The Australian criminal law, originally derived from the Queensland Criminal Code created during British colonization, was extended to Papua New Guinea. Despite the Australian states starting to decriminalize same-sex sexual activity in 1975, Papua New Guinea retained this provision due to gaining independence in the same year, resulting in the continued criminalization of such activity there. '''

In the 21st century, LGBT people tend to be more tolerated and accepted in coastal areas than in the New Guinea Highlands.

Living conditions
LGBT persons have reported facing "discrimination in their daily lives, and often struggle to find jobs". LGBT people have also experienced rape and violence throughout the country, including in Port Moresby, which has led many LGBT individuals to flee to the town of Hanuabada.

'''In 2017 the US Department of State Human Rights Report on Papua New Guinea revealed several incidents that highlight the discrimination faced by homosexuals in the country. In Port Moresby, a hotspot for discriminatory actions, there are reports of gay men being sexually abused by police, raped, and beaten. It is common for this abuse to continue even if it is reported due to an imbalance of power. Often, the victims are framed as the perpetrators. '''

Social attitudes to homosexuality
The general public has mixed views towards homosexuality. Homophobia is widespread throughout the country. Homosexuality is generally more accepted in coastal areas than in the New Guinea Highlands.

There are a few nightclubs in Port Moresby that have "gay nights" and small drag parties, mainly in Hanuabada, which has been described as a "gay village" and a sanctuary for local LGBT people.

'''In 2021, Port Moresby held the country's first ever LGBT pride parade, bringing in hundreds of people in the community and their supporters together to celebrate. This was a groundbreaking moment for the queer community in Papua New Guinea, as it set the framework for more change to come in the near future. '''