Cook Islands Minister Fires Back at MP’s Suggestion to Limit Churches

By Talaia Mika, Cook Islands News

The establishment of the country’s first mosque has sparked debate in Cook Islands about the limits on religious organisations. In response to these discussions, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tingika Elikana, fired back at the Opposition Member of Parliament for Matavera, Vaitoti Tupa, who suggested revisiting the Religious Organisation Restrictions Act 1975.

Tupa’s Suggestion: Revisiting the Religious Organisation Restrictions Act

During a Question-and-Answer Session in Parliament on Monday, Tupa said that only four churches had been allowed under this Act and that parliament had time to consider amending this part of the Act to limit the number of churches coming into the country. According to our Constitution, it has stated that this is a Christian country and therefore I am suggesting that we should reconsider this Act so that we can limit only four churches in the country and maybe as we await the advice from the Justice Department or the Crown Law.

The Establishment of Masjid Fatimah Rarotonga

This suggestion followed reports of the establishment of the country’s first mosque, as reported by Cook Islands News. The Mosque, known as Masjid Fatimah Rarotonga, had sparked debate both for and against its presence in the country.

Minister Elikana’s Response

In response to Tupa’s suggestion, Minister Elikana reminded that before any decision is made to touch the Act, Article 64 of the Cook Islands Constitution guarantees fundamental principles and fundamental rights that were established after the 1975 Act was passed. He emphasised that if there is an attempt to change and amend the Religious Organisation Restrictions Act, they will have to comply with Article 64 of the Constitution guaranteeing freedom of equality and freedom of religion to everybody in the Cook Islands.

“That is the reason why the 1975 Act is still valid law because we haven’t touched it and that is why it is deemed valid law under Article 64 of the Constitution,” Elikana added.

The Religious Organisation Restrictions Act 1975

The Religious Organisation Restrictions Act 1975 limits the introduction of new religions to the only four authorised in the Act – The Cook Islands Christian Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Seventh Day Adventist Church, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. According to the Act, approval must be granted from the Minister of Justice before another religion be established.

Pending Applications

Minister for Justice Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa told Parliament that there are three pending applications for new faith denominations to be registered in the Cook Islands. However, he had not received any application for registration from the mosque.

The Minister said he referred the queries regarding the mosque to the Secretary of Justice and Crown Law, seeking Crown Law’s advice on this “sensitive topic”.

Conclusion

The establishment of the country’s first mosque has brought attention to the Religious Organisation Restrictions Act 1975. Minister Elikana’s response highlights the importance of adhering to Article 64 of the Cook Islands Constitution and respecting the fundamental principles and rights established by the Act. As the debate continues, it is crucial for all parties involved to work together to ensure that the rights and freedoms of religious organisations are respected in the Cook Islands.