In early 2016, LGBT people and activists in Indonesia faced fierce opposition, homophobic attacks and hate speech, even launched by Indonesian authorities. As a result, LGBT people have faced growing hostility and intolerance, including attacks and discrimination.
ĭespite Indonesia's reputation as a relatively moderate Muslim country, in the 21st century sharia-supporting fundamentalist Muslim groups have gained increasing support. Nevertheless, there are some rare examples of understanding and acceptance by the families of LGBT persons.
Ĭoming out to family and friends is seldom undertaken by LGBT people in Indonesia, as they are afraid of rejection and social backlash. Despite this, the LGBT community in Indonesia has steadily become more visible and politically active. The importance in Indonesia for social harmony leads to an emphasis on duties over rights, meaning that human rights broadly, including LGBT rights, are very fragile. In July 2015, the Minister of Religious Affairs stated that it is difficult for Indonesia to legalize same-sex marriage because firmly held religious norms speak strongly against it. Indonesia does not recognise same-sex marriage. In Aceh, homosexuality is illegal under Islamic Sharia law, and punishable by flogging or prison. Most parts of Indonesia do not have a sodomy law and do not currently criminalise private, non-commercial gay acts among consenting adults, yet there is no specific Indonesian law that protects the LGBT community against discrimination and hate crimes. Indonesian same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for any of the legal protections available to opposite-sex married couples. Traditional mores disapprove of homosexuality and transitioning, which impacts public policy. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender ( LGBT) people in Indonesia face legal challenges and prejudices not experienced by non- LGBT residents. Limited protection following a legal processĪdoption by single LGBT people recognized, but adoptions by same sex couples are banned
Not explicitly prohibited by Law (de jure), Illegal (de facto) Transgender people allowed to change their legal gender with several conditions