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Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons in Papua New Guinea face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Male same-sex sexual activity is illegal, punishable by up to 14 years' imprisonment, but the law is not enforced.
Attitudes towards LGBT people are greatly influenced by Christian churches, as a majority of Papua New Guineans are Christian. Historically, gay men had certain societal roles. They would take on traditional female roles such as cooking and would participate with women in traditional festivals. However, some tribes were observed to have practiced ritual homosexuality such as the Etoro people and Sambia people.
Nowadays, LGBT people tend to be more tolerated and accepted in coastal areas than in the New Guinea Highlands.