LGBTQ rights in Papua New Guinea

The words "lesbian", "gay", "bisexual" and "transgender" tend to carry heavy stigma in Papua New Guinea. In recent years, the Tok Pisin word (reportedly derived from the name of American singer Jennifer Lopez, who is popular among LGBTQ Papua New Guineans) has been used by transgender Papua New Guineans to refer to a cultural and traditional third gender. Similarly, the Sambia people recognise a traditional third gender: kwolu-aatmwol (literally male thing transforming into female thing). ==Legality of same-sex sexual activity==

Male same-sex sexual activity is prohibited by Section 210 of the Papua New Guinea Penal Code. Anal sex and oral sex between persons of the opposite sex is also illegal. Those caught engaging in anal sex or oral sex (whether heterosexual or homosexual) can be punished with up to fourteen years' imprisonment. Other same-sex sexual acts can be punished with up to three years' imprisonment. In 2011, the Government informed the United Nations that decriminalising homosexuality was not a priority. According to the United States Department of State, there were no reports of prosecutions in 2012 directed at LGBTQ persons. However, the department reported that LGBTQ persons in 2012 were "vulnerable to societal stigmatization". According to an ILGA report, arrests occurred in 2015 and 2022. In 2015, a man was charged and pled guilty to "indecent acts" between males and received a suspended sentence and being ordered to undergo community service and mandatory counseling. In 2022, two men were arrested after having sex. The report also notes a study in 2011 which found police were one of the main sources of violence against men who have sex with men and trans people. ==Living conditions==

LGBTQ persons have reported facing "discrimination in their daily lives, and often struggle to find jobs". LGBTQ people have also experienced rape and violence throughout the country, including in Port Moresby, which has led many LGBTQ individuals to flee to the town of Hanuabada. 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. In 2021, Port Moresby held the country's first ever LGBTQ 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. ==Political support==

Explicit political support for LGBTQ rights in Papua New Guinea is limited, though many politicians are opposed to the "promotion of homosexuality" but have acknowledged the existence of homosexuality. In 2023, Prime Minister James Marape confirmed that he did not intend to repeal laws criminalising male homosexuality, whilst claiming that laws were already sufficient in protecting LGBTQ rights. He stated: ==Summary table==