Napuat said every pastor who performs marriage ceremonies must understand that they cannot conduct a ceremony that is against the law. Photo: AFP / Kabir Jhangiani
Vanuatu's parliament has passed an amendment to its Marriage Act, stating marriage is the union of a male and female.
Minister of Internal Affairs Andrew Napuat said that the law, as passed, stipulates that same-sex marriage cannot be registered.
He added marriage is defined in the country's constitution as being between a male and a female.
It comes amid news that Vanuatu's Ministry of Justice and Community Services is appointing a new committee to draft a national policy banning LGBTQIA+ advocacy and promotion in the country.
"When the law was passed (14 November), it made clear the government's full intention, along with our leaders, that every pastor who performs marriage ceremonies must understand that they cannot conduct a ceremony that is against the law and expect it to be registered," he said.
"As minister, I am signing to approve their names so they can officiate marriages. Let this serve as a notice that the government has decided: marriage is defined as being between a male and a female.
"If anyone conducts a marriage that does not follow the spirit of the law passed today and seeks our registration, his or her license will be revoked to prevent further marriages. This applies to religious, civil, or traditional ceremonies," he said.
-Vanuatu Daily Post
