Thousands of women marched through Tonga's capital, Nuku'alofa, yesterday to protest against the country's signing of the UN convention to eliminate disrimination against women.
Tongan women protest against the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, arguing it includes counter-culture clauses such as same sex marriage and abortion. Photo: Broadcomfm Broadcasting / Facebook
The group, led by Catholic Church, marched from the town's Catholic Basilica to Parliament, where a petition was presented to the speaker, Lord Tu'ivakano.
Tonga is one of seven countries, which includes the United States, not to have signed the convention.
The protesters say the convention puts pressure on the country to change its culture, as it includes conditions on same sex marriage and abortion.
MPs have said Tonga already has laws against discrimination and violence against women.
One of the protesters, Hifoileva Fifita, told Radio Tonga the treaty would affect future generations of Tongans.