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Save Constitutional Rights in Fiji |
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Compiled by GayToday
On behalf of the NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji, activists
from Women's Action for Change (WAC) have issued this urgent call for
letters of support to be sent before Wednesday at 3 p.m. (Pacific time)
for the preservation of protections based on sexual orientation recently
enshrined in the new Fiji Constitution:
Once again the gay and lesbian community of Fiji is under threat. The newly elected government is putting forward an Act to amend the 1998 Constitution. The fourth section in the Bill, addressing issues of "equality", defines marriage as the union of one woman and one man "to the exclusion of all others" and provides for the persecution of sodomy (defined as "unnatural acts")--and effectively eliminates protections based on sexual orientation enshrined in the new Constitution. Fiji is one of only three countries in the world that explicitly identifies sexual orientation as a status protected from discrimination under the Constitution--rightfully receiving recognition for its contribution to setting this landmark international precedent. It is these protections, however, that officials wish to remove. In early 1999, the previous government introduced a similar Bill. They suggested the amendments after Christian fundamentalists marched on Constitution Day, calling for the removal of the phrase "sexual orientation" from section 38(a) of the Constitution, the document's anti-discrimination clause.
Protest letters are urgently needed. Before Wednesday at 3 p.m. (Pacific Standard) please send a fax to 01-415-255-8662 and it will be properly forwarded. A sample letter and the addresses of Fiji government officials follow: Sample Protest Letter: Dear (see names and addresses below) We are appalled at the introduction to Parliament of Bill No.1 of 2000 that was tabled by the Prime Minister. The Bill is entitled "A Bill for an Act to Amend the Constitution". We believe this Bill has been fast tracked in order for it to by-pass Standing Orders. Section 4 of the Bill that aims to amend Section 38 of the Constitution, directly affects the rights of Homosexuals (Sexual Minorities). Passing this amendment will deny Human Rights to some citizens of Fiji. The Bill contravenes the existing Fiji Constitution that has received international recognition for its strong Human Rights stance. When a similar Bill was placed before the last Government, the Opposition was very strong in its assurance that they would never support such amendments to the Constitution. Yet this Bill does precisely that. Now you, the very same people who opposed these amendments when in opposition, have broken all pledges and assurances by considering passing them. The 1990 Constitution was based on prejudice and discriminated against many citizens of Fiji. This bill is also prejudicial in its intent and will discriminate against many Fiji citizens. We urge you to take the necessary steps to stop the passing of this bill. Sincerely, (Your name) Addresses of Fiji Government Officials: Prime Minister Honorable Mahendra Chaudhry Prime Minister's Office Government Buildings Suva, FIJI (679) 211 216 (Phone) (679) 306 034 (Fax) Leader of Opposition Honorable Ratu Inoke Kubuabola Government Buildings Suva, FIJI (679) 305 811 (P) (679) 305 317 (F) Attorney General Honorable Anand Kumar Singh Government Buildings Suva, FIJI (679) 905 233 (P) (679) 305 421 (F) Solicitor General Mr. Nainendra Nand Government Buildings Suva, FIJI (679) 302 404 (F) Please send copies of letters to: Women's Action For Change P.O. Box 12398 Suva, FIJI Phone: (679) 314 363, Fax: (679) 305 033 Groups supportive of gay and lesbian constitutional rights in the Fiji Islands have issued a statement that says: "It is imperative that we get overseas support as we cannot make a big noise here because of the power of the Christian church. It is unsafe to go public, but WAC is generating NGO support to write to parliamentary and civil leaders etc. "Your support would be greatly appreciated." Text of the Constitution of the Fiji Islands (Ratified July 27, 1998) Chapter 4--Bill of Rights: Section 38, 1 and 2: (1) Every person has the right to equality before the law. (2) A person must not be unfairly discriminated against, directly or indirectly, on the ground of his or her: (a) actual or supposed personal characteristics or circumstances, including race, ethnic origin, colour, place of origin, gender, sexual orientation, birth, primary language, economic status, age or disability; or (b) opinions or beliefs, except to the extent that those opinions or beliefs involve harm to others or the diminution of the rights or freedoms of others; or on any other ground prohibited by this Constitution. |
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