Concerns over use of religious platforms to promote discriminatory rhetoric in Fiji

MEDIA RELEASE, February 25, 2026

Suva, Fiji - The Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network (PSGDN) has raised serious concerns regarding the continued use of religious platforms in Fiji to disseminate harmful and discriminatory anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric.

PSGDN Interim Chief Executive Officer, Loata Tucika, said the organisation has directly observed this trend and has also received reports from its National Member Organisations in Fiji of religious leaders using places of worship as well as free-to-air television and social media to promote views that stigmatise and marginalise already vulnerable communities.

“Places of worship should be spaces of care, compassion, and guidance — not platforms for hate or division,” Ms Tucika said.

“When religious leaders use the power of the pulpit or national broadcast platforms to advance personal beliefs that dehumanise others, the impact extends far beyond words. Such rhetoric creates fear, legitimises discrimination, and places real people at risk.”

Ms Tucika emphasised that while freedom of religion and freedom of expression are fundamental rights, they also carried responsibilities, particularly for leaders who hold significant moral authority and public influence.

“Religious leaders are entrusted with providing spiritual guidance to their congregations. That role does not extend to promoting hostility or justifying harm against LGBTQI+ people,” she said.“Personal beliefs should not be weaponised under the guise of faith.”

PSGDN is calling on religious leaders across Fiji to remain focused on their core spiritual responsibilities and to refrain from using religious or media platforms to promote rhetoric that fuels discrimination or social division.

The organisation is also urging the Online Safety Commission to actively monitor content aired on free-to-air television where religious commentary crosses into harmful or discriminatory speech.

“Broadcast platforms must not become safe havens for unchecked rhetoric that undermines dignity, safety, and social cohesion,” Ms Tucika said.

“Monitoring and accountability are essential to ensure that public airwaves are not used to normalise harm.”

PSGDN reaffirmed its commitment to respectful dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and the protection of human dignity for all people in the Pacific, including LGBTQI+ communities.

“We urge religious leaders to lead with responsibility, humility, and care,” Ms Tucika said.

“Faith should be a source of unity and healing; not a tool for exclusion.”

ENDS...

PSGDN Interim CEO Loata Tucika