Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in the Marshall Islands may face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal in the Marshall Islands since 2005, and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity has been outlawed in all areas since 2019. Despite this, households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex married couples, as same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized. The Human Truth Foundation has listed the Marshall Islands at rank 88 for LGBT rights. This was similar to other Pacific nations, such as Palau (86), Nauru (87) and Micronesia (90). In 2011, the Marshall Islands signed the "joint statement on ending acts of violence and related human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity" at the United Nations, condemning violence and discrimination against LGBT people. Law regarding same-sex sexual activity Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 2005. The age of consent is equal at 16, regardless of sex and sexual orientation. Recognition of same-sex relationships The Marshall Islands does not recognize same-sex marriages or civil unions. Same-sex couples lack legal recognition. The Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1988 does not expressly prohibit same-sex marriages, however, section 428(1) assumes the parties to be of the opposite sex, "the male at the time of contracting the marriage be not less than eighteen (18) years of age and the female be not less than sixteen (16) years of age". Marriages may be performed by a registrar, an ordained minister of church, or a judge of the High Court or District Court, and must be registered by the registrar of the atoll. While the Constitution or statutory law prohibits discrimination on various grounds including sexual orientation (), marital status () and family status (), it is unknown if this would therefore guarantee same-sex couples the right to marry. The Supreme Court has yet to rule on the matter. Discrimination protections Until 2019, there were no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment or the provision of goods and services. Despite a lack of anti-discrimination protections, there had been no known reports of societal discrimination directed against LGBT people. The Code of Judicial Conduct 2008 states that "a judge shall not, in the performance of judicial duties, by words or conduct, manifest bias or