NU: LGBT will not be legalized in Indonesia

Jakarta, NU Online
Indonesia will not legally recognize the identity of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT), Member of the Advisory Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Jusuf Kalla commented while speaking on the issue of the parliament`s plan on regulating the LGBT.

"I do not know what kind of process is carried out in the House, but I do not think anyone would dare to legalize it in Indonesia," Kalla who is also the vice president of Indonesia was quoted by Antara as saying here recently.

Although he does not deny the existence and behavior of LGBT in the country, Kalla thinks it is unnecessary for LGBT to be legalized in order to support the recognition of their identity.

"Yes, it is a reality that they exist as part of the society. However, it is a private business that does not need to be campaigned out or formally legalized," he added.

People`s Consultative Assembly (MPR) speaker Zulkifli Hasan has reportedly made a statement about five factions in the House that agreed to make a bill on LGBT.

Hasan`s remarks triggered reactions from the public and legislators themselves. House of Representatives speaker Bambang Soesatyo denied any efforts to form a bill on LGBT.

However, the House of Representatives Commission III is discussing the Draft Law on Penal Code (Criminal Code), in which one of the articles discusses the extension of criminal prosecution against LGBT behavior.

"Our spirit is in the discussion of the Criminal Code Bill in addition to rejecting LGBT, and there is an extension of the punishment of LGBT behavior. Therefore, it is not only the abuse of minors but also the same kind of relationship that can be categorized as immoral behavior," Soesatyo explained. (Masdar)