LGBT rights in Indonesia
Unlike in many other Muslim countries, Indonesia is relatively tolerant of homosexuality. As in many countries in South East Asia, it is a part of everyday life. Even in the media several gay or transsexual prominent people exist.[1] Nevertheless this subject is low key and not openly talked about. Fanatical Muslim groups have been known to attack gay men, e.g. at an anti-AIDS meeting in Solo, where the participants were attacked by a masked band of several hundred people.
Criminal Law
Homosexuality is a not a crime when it occurs in private and between consenting adults. In 2003 legislation was proposed by the Justice Ministry to amend the criminal code so as to criminalize heterosexual and homosexual sodomy with up to twelve years in prison [2], but the bill failed. The proposed legislation would also criminalize cohabitation, adultery and the practice of witchcraft.
The national government has allowed local governments to adopt Islamic law and thus certain local ordinances have been adopted that prohibit homosexuality and cross-dressing [3].
Civil Rights
In 1982 the first gay rights interest group was established in Indonesia. The "Lambda Indonesia" and other similar organization arose in the late 1980s and 1990s [4]. Today, some of the major LGBT associations in the nation include "Gaya Nusantara", "Arus Pelangi".
As of 2007, no law exists to protect Indonesia citizens from discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Family and Marriage
The law does not recognize gay marriage, civil unions or domestic partnership benefits.
AIDS/HIV
Legal guidelines regarding HIV/AIDS do not exist although AIDS is a major problem in most countries in the region. Those infected with HIV travelling to Indonesia can possibly be refused entry or threatened with quarantine.[1]
Notes
References
- Gaya Nusantara
- Arus Pelangi
- Sexuality and Nation in Indonesia
- Between Religion and Desire: Being A Gay Muslim in Indonesia
