Unfortunately, however, the hold up isn’t likely to last that long.
Back in January, Indonesia began banning gay dating apps in a further bid to crackdown on the LGBTQ community. Their actions against the LGBTQ community didn’t stop there, as they announced plans to criminalise homosexuality by Valentine’s Day, as it had the backing of all 10 major parties.
Although they didn’t meet that deadline, the bill is still going ahead. However, the LGBTQ community have been granted a temporary reprieve as the government announced that the bill was being put on hold for “two to three months” so that the public can have their say.
Related: Indonesia classifies homosexuality as a “mental disorder” in its run up to banning gay sex
Following the bill’s announcement, there was a national outcry from the public over some of its demands, especially those surrounding general morality. This outcry mirrors a 2016 nationwide survey of 1,220 people, which found that although over half of people wouldn’t accept a family member if they were LGBTQ, they did believe that the government should protect their rights.
Speaking to the Bangkok Post, Ade Armando, who directed the poll said: “The majority of citizens also object if an LGBT person becomes a government official, such as a mayor, governor, or president.
“Even though the public views LGBT people negatively and is being discriminatory by refusing to support them becoming public officials, the public does not discriminate when it comes to LGBT people living…”
Back in February, the Indonesian city of Depok created a 200-strong taskforce to target the activities of LGBTQ people.
The Coconuts news website, reported that as the city’s deputy mayor, Muhammad Idris, announced the taskforce he said: “We have created an integrated team to handle LGBT, we will collaborate with police and mass organisations.”
“Religion has agreed that LGBT acts are forbidden, so legally we will overcome this problem so that it will not spread.”
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