Same-sex marriage and transgender issues can be contentious, here Reporter Cedric Ah Colt and Photographer Kitiona Utuva talk to members of the public and get their views.

Pale Tuiavi’i, 43, Tapuele’ele and Savai'i.

“I hate the fact that Samoa is discussing the issue that I believe it should be thrown out. Same-sex marriage is an issue every institution considers including churches, schools, non-governmental organizations, government, and cabinet. The issue has been around for a very long time, but not in Samoa. If we were born without this lifestyle, then we don’t need it. This new practice will ruin Samoa. If we try to talk about it now, we shall leave it outside every council meeting. In my, opinion there is nothing to be discussed and I strongly disagree with the recognition of the act."

Johnniva Ulberg, 22, Moto’otua and Vaimoso Uta.

“I know many know social media and foreign lifestyles. But the bible and biblical beliefs of Samoa do not align with the new lifestyle, whoever is trying to bring it into Samoa. In the bible, it is a relationship between men and wives. Prophets, apostles, and even Jesus Christ have a mother and father. So if we try to bring this new way of living to Samoa, we might get lost in our own beliefs and culture. If whoever is trying to bring this to Samoa keeps on pushing, I advise that it will not do us good. Read the Samoan bible rather than same-sex marriage or LGBTQ magazines.”

Seigafo Faleasi’u Lalotoa, 59, Gataivai and Leauva’a.

“In my own view as a mother and grandmother, it is very inappropriate when everything is mixed up and you know what I mean. Imagine having two children, a son, and a daughter. How does it feel like seeing a brother being with another male? As a sister, is it appropriate to have fun around and see the brother sleeping with a boyfriend or for the brother to also feel disgusted when his sister is bisexual or lesbian? It is not inappropriate and everyone knows that because we grew up with culture and we were also taught of our Samoan values including our people. We are Samoan, we value our culture, and we respect our Fa’avae (Foundation)."

Manya Kirisimasi, 18, Iva Savai’i.

“As a teenager, I believe in human rights. We have freedom of speech, freedom to live, and freedom to feel. Being gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc is all part of life. Anyone is free to feel and whether male to male or female to female, same-sex marriage is part of the world now. I accept LGBTQI when it comes to the situation because they also have the right to love one another."