Anti-Gay Convictions in Fiji
Gay and
Lesbian Rights Lobby (Australia), April 8, 2005
P.O. Box 9, Darlinghurst, NSW, 1300, Australia
Phone: (02) 9360 6650
Fax: (02) 9331 7963
Female Convenor: femaleconvenor@glrl.org.au
Male Convenor: maleconvenor@glrl.org.au
The convictions on April 6 are the first in Fiji since
Independence, and have shocked GLBTQ people in both Fiji and Australia. The
two men were each found guilty on one count of unnatural offence and one count
of indecent practice. In sentencing the two, the Magistrate described the
crimes as “something so disgusting that it would make any decent person
vomit”.
Fiji was only the second country in the world to include
sexual orientation in its Constitution, but continues to ban sex between two
adult men. This is an unacceptable violation of human rights. The Australian
government needs to be more proactive in lobbying other countries on the
importance of basic human rights like the right to privacy in sexual conduct.
You can take action on this issue by writing to the
Australian government, and telling them that these basic human rights are
important.
Write to:
Alexander Downer
Minister for Foreign Affairs
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
E-mail: minister.downer@dfat.gov.au
Fax: (02) 6273 4112
Jennifer Rawson
High Commissioner to Fiji
Australian High Commission
37 Princes Road
Tamavua
Suva
Fiji Islands
E-mail: public-affairs-suva@dfat.gov.au
Facsimile: 0011 338 2065
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