Cook Islands PM Henry Puna Same-sex marriage, approved by the New Zealand Parliament almost two weeks ago, will not be allowed in the Cook Island because of the nation's Christian beliefs, according to its Prime Minister, Henry Puna. The Cooks are an independent nation 'in free association with New Zealand' which essentially means the population of approximately 11,000 govern themselves but retain New Zealand citizenship status. In 2000 the country specifically amended its constitution to disallow men from marrying men and women from marrying women. Puna has told Radio New Zealand that the Cooks will not stray from its core values as a Christian nation. He said he respects the sanctity of marriage as provided for under Christian beliefs and faith.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 29th April 2013 - 7:23am