‘Equality must belong to all’: LGBTQ+ groups urge political leaders to protect legal progress Tuesday 11 August 2026 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Election 2026 ShareAs the Cook Islands prepares to choose its next leaders tomorrow at the 2026 general election, the LGBTQ+ groups Pride Cook Islands, Te Tiare Association and Te Anuanua O Aitutaki are calling for equality, dignity and safety to remain fundamental principles of national leadership. As the Cook Islands prepares to choose its next leaders tomorrow at the 2026 general election, the LGBTQ+ groups Pride Cook Islands, Te Tiare Association and Te Anuanua O Aitutaki are calling for equality, dignity and safety to remain fundamental principles of national leadership.