An application for the distribution of DVDs of the Oscar-winning film Milk to stores was rejected by Samoa’s Censorship Board, a move confirmed to the media by the board’s principal censor, Leiataua Niuapu Faaui, although he declined to give a reason for the rejection, saying only, ‘There are rules and guidelines for these things‘.

Samoan human rights leader Ken Moala condemned the move, telling the NZ Herald News, ‘I do not think it should be banned. It is basically a documentary about the human endeavour to conquer something that people tend to discriminate against.

‘It's about vulnerable groups, how they are often marginalised, and they have every right to be part of society, especially in becoming public servants or figure heads in society.

‘Quite frankly I do not see how it is relevant to the Samoa situation. As a film I think it is quite good, and pretty harmless. I don't know the reasons why they would do that, are they making a statement against the gay organisations? Or what?