The nation’s parliament amended in mid-April the Crimes Act 1969, which stated that men could be jailed for up to five years for taking part in “indecent acts” with other men.
Prime minister Mark Brown told parliament the amendment has brought the country “into the 21st century" by removing laws that “are no longer appropriate in this day and age.”
“We have removed a discriminatory and unjust law that goes against our constitution and our values as a nation,” he added. “We have done what is right and what is just.”
Commenting on the amendment, Karla Eggelton – who is both the president of Pride Cook Islands and the chief executive of the country’s tourism board – called the legislation “a landmark.”
“We welcome GLBTQI travellers from around the world and hope that the new bill will encourage visitors who may have previously felt a concern. We look forward to showing off our little piece of paradise,” she said.
Her words were echoed by Ian Griffiths, the corporation’s representative for the UK and Ireland, who said the Cook Islands could now be positioned “as a paradise holiday destination that is truly for all.”
Tourism from the UK to the South Pacific country is set to become easier following the launch of two new routes. Weekly Hawaiian Airlines flights between Honolulu and Rarotonga will start in May while services from Sydney three times a week will begin in June.
