Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Micronesia may face legal difficulties not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex married couples, as same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation has been illegal since 2018.
The Federated States of Micronesia encompasses more than 600 islands and about 100,000 people. The majority of the population identifies as Christian.[1]
The Federated States of Micronesia does not recognise same-sex unions in any form.
The marriage laws in Kosrae assume the partners to be of the opposite sex.[5] Section 16.101 states: "A marriage performed in the State is valid, if: (a) The male at the time of marriage is at least eighteen years of age and the female at least sixteen years of age, and, if the female is less than eighteen years of age, the marriage has the consent of at least one of the female's parents or her guardian; [...]".[a] Similar language is found in the Chuuk State Code.
The Constitution of Pohnpei does not address marriage, but its section on "family obligations" states: "To strengthen and retain good family relations in Pohnpei, as needed, this Constitution recognizes and protects the responsibility and authority of parents over their children".[b]
Discrimination protections
The Federated States of Micronesia has an anti-discrimination law that includes sexual orientation, but not gender identity or intersex status. This means gay, lesbian and bisexual people are protected from discrimination in employment, education, health care and other areas of public life, but transgender and intersex people are not. According to a 2015 write-up from the United States Department of State, "there were no reports of societal violence or discrimination against homosexuals or against persons with HIV/AIDS."[8]
In 2016, Micronesia received recommendations from five countries to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.[9] In November 2018, the Micronesian Congress passed C.B. 20-258, which updated the country's anti-discrimination law to include sexual orientation.[10] The bill, introduced by Speaker Wesley Simina, was supported by three of the four states (Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap, but opposed by Kosrae).
Section 107 of Chapter 1 of the Code of the Federated States of Micronesia reads:[11]
Section 107. Discrimination on account of race, sex, sexual orientation, language, or religion; Equal protection.
No law shall be enacted which discriminates against any person on account of race, sex, sexual orientation, language, or religion, nor shall the equal protection of the laws be denied.
Gender identity and expression
Micronesia does not provide any administrative or legal procedures allowing transgender people to have their identified gender recognised in official documents.[9]
According to 2017 estimates from UNAIDS, about 4.2% of the Micronesian transgender population was HIV-positive.[12]
Military service
Currently, there is no active military for the Federated States of Micronesia, though should such a need arise, the United States is responsible for its defense per mutual agreement.[13]
Living conditions
History
In 1989, an anthropologist recorded a case of a young girl on the island of Pohnpei named Maria who exhibited the habits of a boy and would go walking about at night looking for girls. Family and neighbors held a meeting to discuss the matter, and decided to hold a feast where they would publicly name her a boy. His hair was cut and he was presented with male clothing, and finally was renamed Mario.[14]
The islands of Chuuk have an indigenous term that refers to a traditional third gender alongside male and female: wininmwáán.[14]
In December 2018, the country's first pride event and parade took place in the state of Pohnpei.[15]
Societal opinions
Micronesian society tends to be conservative and the LGBT community remains discreet in general. Open displays of affection between same-sex partners may offend.[16] Debates and discussions surrounding LGBT rights tend to be "well off the radar".[9]
The Human Truth Foundation has listed Micronesia at rank 90 for LGBT rights. This was similar to other Pacific nations, such as Palau (86), Nauru (87) and the Marshall Islands (88).[17]
^In Kosraean: Pahyuck se oreklac ke State ac akihlenyuck, efin: (a) Mukul se ke pacl in pahyuck an year singucul alkosr matwac ac muhtwacn sacn tiac srihk liki year singucul ohnkohsr matwacl, ac, efin muhtwacn sacn srihk liki year singucul alkosr, pahyuck sacn oasr inseselac luhn sie sin pahpah kuh ninac kuh mwet karihngihn muhtwacn sacn; [...].[6]
^In Pohnpeian: Pwehn kakehlaka oh kolokol onepek mwhau oh wahu penehn nan peneinei kan en Weipokon en Pohnpei, nin duwen ahnepetail, Poahsoan en Kosonned wet pohnese oh wauneki manaman oh pwukoah me sahm akan oh ihn akan akneki ong neirail serihkan.[7]
