Police arrest 56 gay men at party in Indonesia
State-sanctioned homophobia continues to persecute queer people.
Indonesian authorities have arrested 56 men at a private event in Jakarta which the police described as a “gay sex party.”
According to reporting by Reuters, three of the arrested men - the alleged organisers of the event - could face prison sentences of up to 15 years.
The event took place at a hotel on Saturday, 1 February. It's not clear what triggered the police raid but it could have been a tip-off from hotel staff or guests at the hotel.
While homosexuality is broadly legal in Indonesia, the country's anti-pornography laws are frequently used to target queer people - the legislation includes a broad prohibition against promoting "immoral" behaviour. Arresting gay men at parties or events appears to happen fairly routinely.
What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Indonesia?
What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Indonesia? Let’s take a look at some of the key equality indicators.
Is homosexuality legal in Indonesia?
Pretty much. In most of Indonesia, homosexuality is not criminalised. But there are some parts of the country that operate under Sharia law, which criminalises same-sex sexual activity.
Are there anti-discrimination protections in place for LGBTQ people in Indonesia?
Not really. There are some limited protections available through the legal system but not a comprehensive framework of anti-discrimination protection.
Is there Marriage Equality in Indonesia?
No. There is no legal recognition for same-sex relationships.
What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Indonesia?
Indonesia is a socially conservative country. Homosexuality is seen as a taboo subject.
Homophobia is systemic. It appears that censorship restrictions and public decency laws are being used to target and persecute LGBTQ people.
LGBTQ people conceal their sexuality.
