Tonga

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Hate Crimes Against the LGBT Community in the Commonwealth

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This report outlines the nature and extent of anti-LGBT hate crime and its impact on individuals and societies in the Commonwealth, explores trends across the Commonwealth and surveys regional and country-specific case examples.

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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2019

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International Women’s Day has been celebrated for nearly 90 years and has become a focal point in the global movement for women’s rights. This day allows us to reflect on how far we have come in our fight for gender equality, but also on how far we have yet to go.

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Human Rights Watch Country Profiles: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

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The following country profiles are derived in part from sections of the Human Rights Watch 2019 World Report that relate to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

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Pacific Island LGBTIQ Elders Pen Powerful Response To Israel Folau

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“A lot of people look up to you, Israel. You and your words have power, privilege and meaning. Young kids look up to you as an award-winning sportsman. What you say stays in the hearts and minds of young Australians and Pasefika children.”

Big step forward for human rights as Commonwealth officially accredits first LGBTI organisation

The Commonwealth Equality Network (TCEN) welcomes the decision by the Commonwealth to approve the Network for accreditation as a Commonwealth organisation.

 

Tonga: Will bans same-sex marriage while ratifying CEDAW

The Director of the Women and Children Crisis Centre Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki says since last month's cabinet announcement that the UN convention would be ratified there has been huge debate in the community. Church and community leaders have come out against the move over the concern that CEDAW would lead to same sex marriage and abortions in the country as CEDAW refers to the right for a woman to choose her spouse and family planning. 

But the chief executive of Internal Affairs Lopeti Senituli says the government is planning law changes to satisfy the church leaders. "Under our existing Deaths, Births and Marriages Registration Act there is no specific reference for or against same sex marriage. The government is proposing now that we amend our Deaths, Births and Marriages Registration Act to prohibit same sex marriage." Read More