The Prime Minister of Fiji has responded to calls for marriage equality in the island nation, telling media that “Fiji does not need that rubbish.”

Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama was responding to comments from human rights activist Shamima Ali, the head of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre. Ali spoke on Fijian television, calling for the government to consider same-sex marriage.

Ms Ali criticised the Prime Minister’s comments, branding them regressive.

“It’s extreme homophobia,” Ms Ali said, “and really total disrespect for a community in Fiji, and it’s just not in keeping with statements that government has been making in terms of human rights, and violence against women, and our aspiration to be on the UN Human Rights Council in the near future.”

Bainimarama said that if two women wished to marry that “they should go and have it done in Iceland and stay and live there.”

OIP Staff