Same-sex sexual activity and sex work offences in Papua New Guinea: Implications from the repeal of the death penalty

Abstract

This article discusses the recent repeal of the death penalty in Papua New Guinea and examines some potential implications for considerations to decriminalise same-sex sexual activity and sex work in the country. It considers that, while the repeal of the death penalty was a significant milestone for human rights domestically and internationally, the dominance of Christian morals evident in propelling the repeal deepens the challenge for law reform on issues of moral bearing, most notably the decriminalisation of same-sex sexual activity and sex work. The article further analyses the political conditions to conclude that for those considering law reform, there may be better prospects through the Supreme Court by way of a constitutional validity challenge than through the Parliament.