PINK NEWS: Amnesty International has demanded that a new Indonesian bylaw that endorses stoning to death for adultery and caning of up to 100 lashes for homosexuality should be repealed immediately.
The local Islamic Criminal Code was passed by the Aceh Provincial House of Representatives on Monday. It forbids a number of acts including alcohol consumption, gambling, intimacy between unmarried couples, adultery and fornication, and homosexuality.
In a statement released today Amnesty International said:
"We are concerned by provisions that criminalize adultery and homosexuality.
"Indonesian authorities must ensure that such provisions are repealed in conformity with international law and standards relating to physical and mental integrity and equality before the law."
The bill caused outcry from human rights groups when it was revealed on Monday.
"The new criminal bylaw flies in the face of international human rights law as well as provisions of the Indonesian constitution," said Sam Zarifi, Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific director.
"Stoning to death is particularly cruel and constitutes torture, which is absolutely forbidden under all circumstances in international law." >>> Staff Writer, Pink News | Friday, September 18, 2009
