LGBT rights in Tuvalu
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Tuvalu face legal difficulties not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Sections 153, 154 and 155 of the Penal Code outlaw male homosexual intercourse with a penalty of up to 14 years in prison, but the law is not enforced. Employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation has been banned since 2017. Since 2023, the Constitution of Tuvalu has banned same-sex marriage.
LGBT rights in Tuvalu | |
|---|---|
Tuvalu | |
| Status | Male illegal, female legal |
| Penalty | Up to 14 years in prison (not enforced, legalisation proposed) |
| Gender identity | No |
| Military | Has no military |
| Discrimination protections | Protections in employment; sexual orientation only (see below) |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | No |
| Restrictions | Same-sex marriage constitutionally banned since 2023 |
| Adoption | No |
Tuvalu is home to a traditional transgender population, called the pinapinaaine, or pina, who historically played certain societal and communal roles.
In 2011, Tuvalu 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.