New Criminal Code Won't Weaken KPK; Gay Sex to Remain Illegal
Jakarta. House of Representatives Speaker Bambang Soesatyo has expressed his commitment to finalize revisions to Indonesia's criminal code. He also reiterated his unwillingness to accept changes in the code that would weaken the national antigraft agency, and said he will stand fast in banning homosexual and extramarital sexual acts.
"We at the House are working hard together with the government to finalize the code. However, legalizing LGBT practices and weakening the KPK [Corruption Eradication Commission] are not part of our consideration in the revisions," Bambang said in a statement on Sunday (03/06).
He said he knows the objections of the KPK regarding a number of articles in the code. He will also seek to accommodate the aspirations of the public, but at the same time has to ensure that the political climate in the legislature remains conducive to enable the government to function smoothly and implement its development programs.
Bambang has requested that the House committee working on the code pay attention to all stakeholders.
Regarding LGBT practices that were expected to be legalized by the new code, Bambang said it is not going to happen.
"We must not fear or succumb to outside pressure and threats that banning LGBT practices will decrease foreign tourism. What we must prioritize is the safety of nation's future, particularly the safety of our youth from influences that go against norms, culture and religion," he said.
After reviewing a number of articles in the code, the speaker revealed that none of the articles banning extramarital sexual acts by the LGBT community were removed.
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