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Public Opinion

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History

Homosexual activity in Western Highlands

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Homosexual activity in Western Highlands is male illegal, female legal.

Current status
Since Nov 28, 1899
Male illegal, female legal
Male homosexuality was initially criminalised in Papua New Guinea due to the inheritance of the Queensland Criminal Code in Australia which criminalised such with up to three years in prison in 1899.

Men can receive 3 to 14 years of imprisonment under Criminal Code 1974. The legislation lists homosexuality under "Unnatural Offenses" and "Indecent Practices Between Males."
Details
Sources:
old.ilga.org/Statehomophobi…
www.humandignitytrust.org/c…
digitalcollections.qut.edu.…
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Same-sex marriage in Western Highlands

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Same-sex marriage in Western Highlands is unrecognized.

Current status
Unrecognized
Marriage is not explicitly defined as occurring between two individuals of opposite sexes. However, it is widely understood to be restricted to heterosexual couples, and same-sex marriages are generally believed to be not permitted in practice.
Details
Sources:
database.ilga.org/papua-new…
www.parliament.gov.pg/image…
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Censorship of LGBT issues in Western Highlands

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Censorship of LGBT issues in Western Highlands is no censorship.

Current status
No censorship
In Papua New Guinea, there are no laws restricting the discussion or promotion of LGBTQ+ topics.
Details
Sources:
www.state.gov/reports/2023-…
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Right to change legal gender in Western Highlands

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Right to change legal gender in Western Highlands is illegal.

Current status
Illegal
There is no legal gender recognition provided in Papua New Guinea.
Details
Sources:
www.nationalgeographic.com/…

www.state.gov/reports/2022-…
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Gender-affirming care in Western Highlands

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Gender-affirming care in Western Highlands is legal.

Current status
Legal
Gender-affirming care is legal in Papua New Guinea but often very expensive.
Details
Sources:
pg.feau.com/article/feminiz…
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Legal recognition of non-binary gender in Western Highlands

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Legal recognition of non-binary gender in Western Highlands is not legally recognized.

Current status
Not legally recognized
No legal recognition.
Details
Sources:
www.state.gov/reports/2022-…
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LGBT discrimination in Western Highlands

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LGBT discrimination in Western Highlands is no protections.

Current status
No protections
As male homosexuality is illegal, no protection is available to any members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Details
Sources:
www.state.gov/reports/2023-…
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LGBT employment discrimination in Western Highlands

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LGBT employment discrimination in Western Highlands is no protections.

Current status
No protections
There are no protections from discrimination in employment provided to LGBTIQ+ people in Papua New Guinea.
Details
Sources:
www.state.gov/reports/2023-…
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LGBT housing discrimination in Western Highlands

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LGBT housing discrimination in Western Highlands is no protections.

Current status
No protections
There are no protections from discrimination in housing provided to LGBTIQ+ people in Papua New Guinea.
Details
Sources:
www.state.gov/reports/2023-…
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Same-sex adoption in Western Highlands

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Same-sex adoption in Western Highlands is illegal.

Current status
Illegal
Only married couples can adopt in Papua New Guinea. Same-sex marriage is not recognised leaving LGBTIQ+ people with no ability to adopt.
Details
Sources:
travel.state.gov/content/tr…
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Intersex infant surgery in Western Highlands

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Intersex infant surgery in Western Highlands is not banned.

Current status
Not banned under federal Papua New Guinea law
There is no ban on surgeries performed on intersex infants in Papua New Guinea.
Details
Sources:
www.state.gov/reports/2023-…
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Serving openly in military in Western Highlands

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Serving openly in military in Western Highlands is don't ask, don't tell.

Current status
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Although there are no explicit prohibitions on LGBTIQ+ people serving in the military of Papua New Guinea, homosexuality is illegal hindering their ability in practice.
Details
Sources:
www.paclii.org/pg/legis/con…
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Blood donations by MSMs in Western Highlands

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Blood donations by MSMs in Western Highlands is legal.

Current status
Legal
There are no known bans or restrictions on blood donations from men who have sex with men in Papua New Guinea, in spite of the illegality of homosexuality.
Details
Sources:
path-png.org/wp-content/upl…
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Conversion therapy in Western Highlands

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Conversion therapy in Western Highlands is not banned.

Current status
Not banned
Conversion therapy is legal and widespread in Papua New Guinea.
Details
Sources:
www.state.gov/reports/2023-…
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Equal age of consent in Western Highlands

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Equal age of consent in Western Highlands is female equal, male n/a.

Current status
Since Nov 28, 1899
Female equal, male N/A
Anal sex is illegal in Papua new Guinea and therefore it is illegal for males. However oral and other types of sex are legal and the age of consent is 16.
Details
Sources:
sexualrightsdatabase.org/co…
www.humandignitytrust.org/c…
digitalcollections.qut.edu.…
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Equality Index ?
26 / 100
Legal Rights
26 / 100
This region's Equality Index is based on legal rights alone. Please submit survey results that show the public opinion of LGBTQ+ issues in Western Highlands to help improve its accuracy.
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