In a landmark move for LGBTQ+ rights, the Cook Islands has become the latest country to decriminalize homosexuality. The country’s parliament voted to remove the law prohibiting “indecent acts between males,” nullifying an outdated provision that had never been enforced. This move is seen as a significant step forward for human rights and LGBTQ+ rights in the South Pacific island state.
The newly introduced Crimes Amendment Bill, which will come into effect on June 1, marks the end of a prolonged struggle for LGBTQ+ rights activists. The outdated law carried a potential prison sentence of up to ten years under the 1969 Crimes Act, but it will now be removed entirely. The bill also includes provisions to protect victims of sexual abuse, assault, and other crimes.
The cross-partisan support for the Crimes Amendment Bill is seen as a reflection of the Cook Islands’ growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ people. The bill saw support from the country’s major political parties, all of whom recognized the need to update the law to reflect the island’s view on LGBTQ+ rights.
Pride Cook Island president Karla Eggelton welcomed the historic decision, thanking all the people and organizations throughout the community who worked tirelessly to make this happen. Although same-sex marriage is still outlawed under the Marriage Amendment Act 2000, the decriminalization of homosexuality is an essential step towards achieving greater equality and human rights.
While homosexuality remains criminalized in 66 countries worldwide, the Cook Islands’ decriminalization marks an important milestone for LGBTQ+ rights. Barbados, the most recent country to legalize homosexual activity, struck down laws against “gross indecency” in December 2022, deeming them unconstitutional and removing them from the Sexual Offences Act.
As the world continues to work towards greater equality and justice for LGBTQ+ people, the Cook Islands’ decriminalization of homosexuality offers hope for progress and change.