Cook Islands LGBTQIA+ community celebrates 'progress, inclusivity, unity'

"Progress, Inclusivity and Unity" was celebrated in Rarotonga as the LGBTIA+ community commemorated one year since the Cook Islands decriminalized same-sex relations.

The country's inaugural Pride Week - Anuanua Week - was full of colourful activities and events exploring the diversity of LGBTQIA+ communities and their rights across the Pacific.

From wearable arts to theatre productions, dance competitions, thought invoking film festivals and robust discussion panels, there was something for everyone.

Political delegations from New Zealand and Australia were in attendance alongside leading figures in the international pride community.

Te Tiare Association president Tatryana Utanga said they were humbled by the support from across the globe.

"To see that attendance from these high-level delegates is very heart warming and comforting to us," Utanga said.

"[This is] to show our Cook Islands community that we have the backing of people outside of our community, outside of our nation, who support us and want to see us grow in terms of progress."

Prior to the law change, homosexuality was punishable by up to five years in jail, and people hosting homosexual acts in their premises could see 10 years in jail

Advocates protested that the Crimes Bill 1969 was "outdated and discriminatory".

The pride community called for equal rights which was responded to in an unexpected way.

In 2019, the Crimes Bill select committee recommended to extend the provisions criminalising homosexuality, to include women as well.

This caused a strong public reaction from the LGBTQIA+ community, and Pride Cook Islands was launched as a campaign opposing the recommendation.

Four years later, on 14 April 2023, community members sat in the Parliament gallery to witness the historic moment it all changed.

Pride Cook Islands president at the time, Karla Eggleton, remembers nerves and anxiety awaiting the final decision.

"Even then we didn't know what to expect," Eggleton said.

"We were debating all day long what if it went this way, and what if it goes the other way? While we had champagne on ice, at the same time there was also nail-biting in the room."

There were hours of debate in Parliament as the country's leaders discussed the law change.

Many spoke in support of the change, but some were opposed, quoting biblical scriptures condemning homosexuality.

Minister of Justice Vaine Mac Mokoroa acknowledged the country's strong religious beliefs, however he asked the house to differentiate "morals" from "law".

"We need to ask ourselves, what is the difference between sin and crime? A sin is an act or behaviour that is against religion or God's will, crime is an action against the law.

"Sin is recognised by God and religion and God is your judge. Crime is recognised by the state or government."

He said the government had a responsibility to make laws in the best interest of their people and their fundamental human rights.

Regardless of his statement, there were members in opposing parties (Democratic Party and United Party) that disagreed, firmly holding on to their religious beliefs.

Debates continued until late in the afternoon.

In the final session, the leader of the opposition (Democratic Party) Tina Browne was a walking statement, donning the Pride Cook Islands supporter tee-shirt as she addressed her fellow members saying, "we have a job to do, we have a duty to do".

"Our constitution provides for fundamental human rights and freedom, it prohibits us from discriminating people based on sex, it provides that everyone should be treated equally," Browne said.

"We shouldn't be having second thoughts about supporting the bill."

Prime Minister Mark Brown echoed her sentiments.

"Today we are doing our job as lawmakers, we will remove a discriminatory and unjust law that goes against our constitution and our values as a nation," he said at the time.

"We are doing what is right and what is just, simply put, we are protecting our people."

Eggleton was amongst a group of representatives who sat in Parliament to witness the moment as the house of Parliament came to agreement and homosexuality was officially decriminalized.

Reflecting back, she said: "It was something that we'll never forget, and as they passed the bill and the speaker hit the gavel, we barely made it out the door before emotions took over."

Te Tiare Association president at the time Valery Wichman said "it was bigger than just changing the law".

"It was the first time that our parliament were actually able to draw the line or understand that their obligations are to the constitution of the country and religious moral issues are not for them to make decisions on."

Wichman said it has ensured inclusivity and acceptance for future generations.

"The greater impact that it has is in terms of us as a nation maturing to the point where we can recognise certain fundamental human rights, and that means everyone is now treated equally under the law... is such a huge achievement!"

Grand celebration

Since then, the pride community in the Cook Islands have been planning a grand celebration to mark the one-year anniversary since decriminalisation.

'Anuanua Week' was a huge success under the lead of the new president Dean Kapi-Tangata, who said it will now be an annual event.

Kapi-Tangata said the next chapter is all about promoting inclusivity and equality in the community.

"Having Pride Week always carries stigmatism regardless of how progressive the country is, so we hope to show that it is not just about marches and riots, but it's also about having fun and appreciating one another."

The historic occasion wrapped up over the weekend with a music festival on the beach.

Rainbow flags were seen flying with pride, island wide as the sun set on the Cook Islands inaugural Pride Week.