A United Nations group supports Fiji's move to recognise the gay community by introducing a decree to decriminalise homosexuality.
The Pacific Coordinator of UNAIDS, Stuart Watson, says in dealing with HIV Aids and other sexually transmitted infections, it is a huge step forward to be able to approach all communities with education programmes and resources.
He says while the gay community in Fiji is small, this decree helps.
"We'd just like to compliment Fiji on taking a really very bold step. The crimes decree removing sodomy and decriminalising homosexuality makes Fiji a first in the Pacific. And it certainly is a huge step forward in achieving a rights respecting legal framework for men who have sex with men and for really the entire community so we compliment the government in taking a very bold and controversial step."
Stuart Watson of UNAIDS.
