In Indonesia's Aceh province, two individuals were sentenced to a total of 165 lashes for engaging in gay sexual conduct, highlighting the region's strict enforcement of Sharia law. This is part of a troubling trend where same-sex activities are criminalized, leading to severe penalties including imprisonment and public flogging. With an increasingly conservative societal backdrop, political rhetoric has also fueled anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, contributing to incidents such as vigilante attacks and police raids on LGBTQ+ gatherings, solidifying a climate of fear and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in Indonesia.
"During the trial it was proven that the defendants committed illicit acts, including kissing and having sex. As Muslims, the defendants should uphold the Shariah law that prevails in Aceh."
"Amnesty International Indonesia director Usman Hamid previously said that he blamed 'inflammatory statements' by the country's political leaders for the widespread anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in Indonesia."
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