Banda Aceh Court Orders 80 Lashes for Same-Sex Acts in Indonesia
In a disturbing move, a Shariah court in Indonesia’s Banda Aceh province has sentenced two men, aged 20 and 21, to 80 public lashes for engaging in same-sex acts. This harsh punishment has sparked widespread criticism from rights groups, who have denounced it as degrading and discriminatory.
According to reports, the two men were arrested in April after residents reportedly found them kissing in a public park bathroom. Under Shariah law, which is enforced in Banda Aceh, same-sex acts are considered a crime punishable by caning and imprisonment.
The court’s decision was made public on August 6, with the judge ruling that the men had “committed a sinful act” and that they must be punished accordingly. The punishment, which consists of 80 lashes, is said to be carried out in public, adding to the humiliation and stigma faced by the two men.
Rights groups have expressed outrage over the sentence, with many calling it a violation of human rights. “This punishment is degrading and discriminatory, and it is a clear violation of the principles of human dignity,” said Andreas Harsono, a researcher with Human Rights Watch.
The sentence has also sparked concerns about the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals in Indonesia, which has seen a surge in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in recent years. In 2017, the country’s parliament passed a law criminalizing same-sex acts, which rights groups have condemned as discriminatory and harmful.
The case has also raised questions about the application of Shariah law in Indonesia, which is a majority-Muslim country. While Shariah law is enforced in several provinces, including Banda Aceh, it is not applied nationwide. Human rights groups have long criticized the use of Shariah law, arguing that it is often used to discriminate against minority groups.
The case has also sparked an international outcry, with many human rights organizations and LGBTQ+ groups condemning the sentence. “This is a shocking and disturbing example of the persecution and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Indonesia,” said Anna Ardin, a spokesperson for the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission.
In the face of international pressure, the Indonesian government has faced calls to repeal the country’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws and to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. “Indonesia must take immediate action to repeal its discriminatory laws and to protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Harsono.
The case has also highlighted the need for greater awareness and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues in Indonesia. While there is a growing LGBTQ+ community in the country, many still face discrimination and stigma, particularly in rural areas.
In conclusion, the Banda Aceh court’s decision to sentence two men to 80 lashes for engaging in same-sex acts is a disturbing example of the discrimination and persecution faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Indonesia. The sentence is a violation of human rights and a clear example of the need for greater awareness and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues in the country.
Source: https://newskarnataka.com/world/shariah-law-strikes-again-aceh-canes-gay-couple-80-times/12082025/
