PSGDN urges Vanuatu to halt discriminatory constitutional change

SUVA, Fiji—22 July 2025

The Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network (PSGDN) has strongly urged the Vanuatu government to halt what it deems an absurd attempt to amend the constitution to legally recognise only two sexes—male and female—at birth.

This proposed amendment, recently approved by the Council of Ministers (cabinet), is reportedly being justified as a way to align Vanuatu’s legal framework with so-called “Melanesian values and Christian principles”—the foundational ideologies of the nation.

However, PSGDN argues that these same values are often used to shield government practices involving corruption and nepotism.

The organisation further argues that the amendment is a thinly veiled effort to marginalise LGBTQI+ communities, preventing them from organising or creating associations deemed by certain authorities as "influenced by Western ideals".

PSGDN Interim Chief Executive Officer Loata Tucika criticised the logic behind the proposal, pointing out the contradiction of a government that depended significantly on foreign aid and tourism while pushing policies that alienated progressive social movements.

Ms Tucika raised concerns about how the proposed constitutional change could undermine the fundamental right to freedom of expression, a liberty explicitly safeguarded by Vanuatu’s own constitution.

"How can a government that claims to be progressive hold such outdated views?" the Interim CEO questioned. Ms Tucika emphasised that LGBTQI individuals are not a product of Western influence but have always been an integral part of Pacific cultures, traditions, and communities.

“They’ve existed within our way of life for generations and remain vital members of both Melanesian and Polynesian societies,” she added. Ms Tucika also strongly criticised remarks made by Pastor Collin Keleb, Chairman of the Vanuatu Christian Council (VCC) and Clerk of the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu (PCV), during a recent interview with the Vanuatu Daily Post.

Mr Keleb, speaking on the influence of Western ideologies, was quoted by the publication as saying, “We cannot allow someone from outside to influence or empower them (LGBTQIA), which will cause them to go astray instead of maintaining and uniting ourselves as children of God.”

Ms Tucika emphasised that this issue goes beyond church doctrine—it centres on individual human rights and the freedom to express one’s identity and choices.

“Vanuatu is a democratic nation where every citizen should have the right to self-expression and protection under fundamental human rights,” she stated.

She further urged the church to redirect its attention to more pressing societal concerns such as gender-based violence, patriarchal systems, and child sexual abuse.

Ms Tucika expressed unwavering support for PSGDN's National Member Organisations (NMOs) in Vanuatu, recognising their longstanding commitment and tireless efforts in advocating for LGBTQI rights and awareness.

“We stand with you,” she affirmed. “Together, we’ll rise above this challenge as we always have.”