Fiji’s Battle Against Pornography: Church and State Unite

The Catholic Church in Fiji has called for an outright ban on pornography, citing its detrimental effects on society. Archbishop Peter Loy Chong has expressed serious concerns regarding the psychological, social, and spiritual implications of pornography, stating that it significantly undermines human dignity. He pointed out that humans thrive on real relationships and suggested that reliance on digital interactions diminishes our humanity.

Archbishop Chong emphasized the sacred nature of life, referencing biblical teachings that highlight humans being created in the image of God. He argued that addiction to pornography leads to isolation and detachment from community and spirituality, weakening individuals’ sense of sacredness.

Highlighting the alarming increase in pornography consumption, recent statistics from the Telecommunications Authority of Fiji reveal that it represented 1.3% of the nation’s internet traffic during the last two quarters of 2024. On average, Fijians accessed a staggering 1360 terabytes of pornographic content, costing the country around FJ$130,000 quarterly. This rising trend places pornography among the top 25 most accessed categories on the country’s internet.

In response to these concerns, the Fijian government is working on implementing stricter laws to combat this issue. Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, who co-chairs the Anti-Pornography Taskforce, acknowledged the severity of the problem and assured that there would be actionable measures to address it, including potential site-blocking.

This concerted effort from both the church and the government signifies a growing recognition of the need to confront and mitigate the repercussions of pornography on Fiji’s society. Such initiatives could lead to greater awareness and healthier relationships, aiming for the preservation of community connections and spiritual well-being.

In summary, the combination of church advocacy and government actions highlights a united front against pornography, which could help foster a more connected and spiritually grounded society in Fiji.