Posted on 19 April 2023
The Cook Islands’ “Crimes (Sexual Offences) Amendment Bill 2023" was passed into law last Friday, and alongside other things decriminalised homosexuality in the nation. This repealed the provisions in its Crimes Act including the punishment of 5 years jail times for those who engaged in the behaviour.
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown speaks proudly of the decision, saying “We have removed a discriminatory and unjust law that goes against our constitution and our values as a nation. We are doing what is right and what is just. We are protecting our people.”
The decision has been affirmed by UNAIDS, stating that “by decriminalising sex between same-sex partners, the Pacific nation joins a global movement toward affirming the human rights to non-discrimination and privacy.”