Recognition of same-sex unions in Oceania
Recognized Debate has occurred throughout Oceania over proposals to legalize same-sex marriage as well as civil unions.
Currently two countries and eight territories in Oceania recognize some type of same-sex unions.
Two Oceanian countries, Australia and New Zealand,[nb 1] and eight territories or states, namely Easter Island, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, New Caledonia, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Pitcairn Islands and Wallis and Futuna allow same-sex couples to legally marry.
In American Samoa, same-sex marriage is not performed, but same-sex marriages from other jurisdictions are recognized.
Marriage
Marriages performed elsewhere are recognized (American Samoa)
No recognition of same-sex couples
Constitution limits marriage to opposite-sex couples (Palau, Tuvalu)
Same-sex sexual activity illegal, but ban not enforced
Same-sex sexual activity illegal
(Country names will appear with mouse-overs when map is viewed at full size. Encircling lines are the
exclusive economic zones
of each state.)
Gender-neutral civil unions.
Civil unions never performed.