Vanuatu Pride logo Photo: Facebook / VPride
A traditional Vanuatu chief says the country's rainbow foundation does not align with Vanuatu's constitution.
President of the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs, Paul Robert Ravun, said traditional Vanuatu culture is important.
The chief has urged Parliament to address the issue as the constitution states Vanuatu is a Christian country.
"Our customs are unique and must guide our law-making process, particularly on matters such as same-sex relationships, which are clearly not part of our traditional practices," he was quoted by the Vanuatu Daily Post.
"If a law doesn't benefit our people and instead brings discrimination to them, we should adhere to our customs. I'm calling on my fellow chiefs to re-evaluate our stance and uphold our culture, which is non-negotiable.
"My worry is about the future leadership of our tribes and the growth of Nasaras if our youth adopt practices promoted by groups like VPride."
The Vanuatu Daily Post has attempted to get comment from the VPride Foundation.
Charity organisation Sista said Vanuatu has signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - a charter that serves to protect everyone's Human Rights regardless of any status including race, religion, and sexual orientation.
It said the community that Vanuatu Pride works to protect and progress is a marginalised part of the community that faces difficulties in accessing basic necessities, like education and health - all of which come under this convention.
-Vanuatu Daily Post
