Rik Glauert – Conservative Muslim lawmakers in Indonesia are delaying a bill to protect against sexual violence.

Lawmakers from Islamic parties claimed the bill was 'too liberal' for Indonesia. They said it was 'pro-adultery' and 'pro-LGBT', according to the Jakarta Post.

Ahead of elections this year, Muslim leaders across the country have been ramping up their anti-gay rhetoric.

There's been a spate of arrests and raids on LGBTI individuals and organizations. A number of local authorities have also come out against the LGBTI community, particularly on the island of Sumatra.'Moral and religious norms'

Lawmakers introduced Indonesia's sexual violence bill in 2016 after the gang rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl. It criminalizes nine types of sexual violence including sexual harassment, rape, forced prostitution, and forced abortion.

But, conservative campaigners and lawmakers have said it should also forbid sex between people of the same gender. 'There is no regulation on sexual crimes, such as sexual relations that violate moral and religious norms' argues a petition on change.org.

Nearly 150,000 people have signed the petition, according to the Jakarta Post.

Conservative lawmakers also object to the bill's criminalization of rape within marriage. 'A husband could be prosecuted if he touches his wife when the wife does not want to be touched' the petition warns.

Source: https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/anti-lgbt-hysteria-in-indonesia-delays-sexual-violence-bill/