Broadcast:
Code: dateline
Participants: Valery Wichman, Dominic Godfrey
Description: The head of the body representing the Cook Islands rainbow community is seeking to have the country's laws aligned with its constitution so as to stop discrimination against gay men.
The head of the body representing the Cook Islands rainbow community is trying to get the country's laws aligned with its constitution to stop discrimination against gay men.
Section 64 of the constitution guarantees individuals the right to not be discriminated against, and the freedom of thought and conscience.
However, the Crimes Act outlaws sexual acts between men who can be imprisoned for up to seven years.
While the laws are not enforced, their existence means they could be.
With parliament due to review the Crimes Act at the end of the month, Te Tiare Association's Valery Wichman wants to ensure homosexuality is decriminalised in the cooks.
Photo: RNZ Pacific Sara Vui-Talitu
