Marie Pa Ariki The chief popularly known as the 'Queen of the Cook Islands' has been applauded for drawing attention to the unfairness of the criminalisation of gay men and homosexuality in her Pacific nation. Under the Cook Islands Crimes Act 1969 male homosexuality is illegal. Consensual male sodomy is punishable by up to seven years' imprisonment while 'indecency' between males is punishable by up to five years' imprisonment. There are no comparable laws against lesbians. Speaking to GayNZ.com Daily News at the recent Hui Takataapui in the Waikato, Takitumu paramount chief Marie Pa Ariki said she believes glbti people should be treated on an equal basis with the rest of the population. "[Gay] people are knowledgeable and contribute to society and to home life," she says. "They are human like everyone else... we are all whanau." “It is very encouraging to have royalty and leaders within the Pacific community stand up for the rights of the LGBT community, especially around issues of homosexual law reform," says the NZ AIDS Foundation's Executive Director Shaun Robinson. The NZAF has long promoted legal and social acceptance of homosexuality as a vital tool in preventing the spread of HIV amongst gay and bi men. "No one should be persecuted by the law for their sexuality," Robinson says. "We know from the New Zealand experience that human and legal rights have been essential to creating an environment where sexuality and health issues such as HIV can be addressed openly. I hope the day comes soon when the whole Pacific enjoys such justice and openness.” GayNZ.com Daily News approached the Cook Islands government a week ago for comment but there has as yet been no response or acknowledgement of our request.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 23rd November 2014 - 8:07pm