Indonesian Province Considering Draconian Laws Against Gay Sex

The Parliament of Aceh, the conservative western-most province of Indonesia, is considering legislation to punish gay sex with caning -- 100 lashes, Agence France-Presse reported. In addition to its severity, the law for the first time would apply to non-Muslims as well as Muslims.

Aceh, which is more than 1,500 miles northwest of Jakarta, has long had an uneasy relationship with the Indonesian government. The territory fought a decades-long separatist war and since 2001 has enjoyed limited autonomy. In a country where most practice a moderate form of Islam, Aceh has stood out for implementing Shariah law, in which practices such as use of alcohol and mingling between unmarried men and women are prohibited.

The Aceh Parliament attracted controversy in 2009 when it passed a law establishing the death penalty, via stoning, for adultery. The law was later overturned by the provincial governor. Despite criticism from international human rights organizations, however, the strict laws against various vices remain: Authorities Friday caned eight men for gambling. The caning was conducted in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

Aceh has struggled to keep pace with Indonesia’s rapid economic development in recent decades. The country was devastated by the Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004 that killed more than 133,000 people in the province.

While laws regarding homosexuality are less strict elsewhere in Indonesia, discrimination and violence against gay Indonesians remain a problem.