The Bed Undefiled: Indonesia Bans Extramarital Sex

The Indonesian parliament has passed a new criminal law that makes sex outside of marriage a punishable offense punishable by up to a year in prison.

It is one of several moves that critics claim diminish people’s rights.

The new criminal code will not come into effect for another three years and also includes a ban on insulting the president and speaking out against state ideology.

Protesters staged small rallies outside the parliament in Jakarta this week.

It is one of several moves that critics claim diminish people’s rights.

The code, which will apply to both Indonesians and foreigners, includes various “morality” provisions that make unmarried couples living together and having sex unlawful. Rights groups say this disproportionately affects women, LGBT people and ethnic minorities in the country.

A person’s partner or parents can report them for the offence of having sex outside of marriage. Adultery will also be an offence for which people can be jailed.

According to rights activists, the new rule also restricts political expression and religious freedom.

Unmarried couples are prohibited from living together and having sex under “morality” regulations.

The code now includes six blasphemy laws, including apostasy (renouncing a religion). For the first time since its independence, Indonesia will be persuading someone to be a non-believer criminal.

New defamation laws also make it illegal to offend the president or advocate views contrary to national ideology.

However, legislators claimed that they had added protections for free speech and protests in the “public good.”

(Reuters)