10 Oct 2016

Tonga LGBTI push for law change on cross dressing and sodomy

From , 6:00 am on 10 October 2016

For the first time, Tonga's LGBTI community will be calling on government leaders to revise legislation in order to protect LGBTI people.

The Tonga Leiti's Association has planned a national consultation with government leaders in December to petition for changes to the Criminal Offences Act.

The Act criminalises cross-dressing and sodomy which can be punished with up to ten years in prison.

The Association's Project Officer, Henry Aho, says the 3-day consultation will coincide with the United Nation's International 16 Days of Activism campaign.

He spoke to Indira Stewart.

Members of Tonga’s LGBTI community at the Tonga Family Health Clinic.

Members of Tonga’s LGBTI community at the Tonga Family Health Clinic. Photo: Supplied