Indonesia: Gay Men Publicly Flogged for Engaging in Consensual Sex

Indonesia: Gay Men Publicly Flogged for Engaging in Consensual Sex

Two young men in Indonesia were publicly flogged on Thursday for engaging in consensual sex, sparking widespread condemnation from human rights organizations. The incident took place in the city of Banda Aceh, where the two men were caned 77 and 82 times, respectively, for violating the province's strict Islamic laws.
The flogging was witnessed by dozens of people, including the men's family members. The head of the Aceh Islamic Shariah Agency, Roslina Epi, defended the punishment, stating that the men had been proven to have engaged in homosexual activities.
Amnesty International condemned the flogging, calling it a "horrific act of cruelty" and urging the Indonesian government to repeal laws that permit such punishments. Deputy Regional Director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, Montserrat Ferrer, stated that consensual sex between adults should never be criminalized.
This incident highlights the growing concerns about the rise of conservative Islamic laws in Indonesia, which have led to increased persecution of minority groups, including the LGBTQ+ community.