The Cook Islands has removed a law from its Crimes Act that could jail men for having sex with men.
The law – which was never enforced – said the offence of “indecent acts between males” was punishable by up to five years in prison.
People hosting these acts in their premises faced up to 10 years jail under the Crimes Act 1969.
Under the Crimes (Sexual Offences) Amendment Bill – tabled and passed today – any clauses that make consensual sexual acts between men illegal will be removed from the Crimes Act and will come into force on 1 June.
Prime Minister Mark Brown said in a tweet that it was a “historic day” for his Cook Islands Party “to stomp out discrimination of the LGBT community.”
Pride Cook Islands president Karla Eggelton said it was significant moment for the nation.
Legislators passed the amendments after the second and third reading on Friday, April 14 Cook Islands time.
Eggleton said the passing of the bill reflected the Cook Islands’ changing society.
The bill will also provide more protection for victims of rape.
Moves to repeal the anti-rainbow laws in the Crimes Act has faced multiple road blocks and have been in the process since 2017.
Credit: radionz.co.nz
