Gay Guide Fiji

The unofficial age of consent is 16 years. Until 2010, homosexual acts were punishable by law. Even the "attempt" of homosexual acts was punished. The arrest and conviction of an Australian in 2005 caused a stir. The charge was rejected by the country's supreme court as it violated the constitution. Since 1st February 2010, homosexual consensual acts between adults are legal. In 2013, a new constitution came into effect, which now includes protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation. The first South Sea Pride took place on Fiji in 2018. After the police repeatedly denied the organisers permission for a parade in the capital Suva, they tried it in the second largest city Lautoka and succeeded. The local police even escorted the approximately 50 participants of the parade and the former president Epeli Nailatikau gave a speech at the event. Nevertheless, gay visitors of the island should refrain from expressing their affection in public, as this could be perceived as an offence.