Deputy Minister: God Abhors Gay Practices, Disgusted by Lesbianism
Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Romo Muhammad Syafi’i has asserted that Islam teaches marriage as the perfect human nature prepared by God. He therefore stated that Islam rejects same-sex relationships, both gay and lesbian, which are considered contrary to the purpose of human creation.
This was conveyed by Romo Syafi’i while opening the ‘Nikah Fest and Islamic Wedding Expo’ organised by the Directorate General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs in South Jakarta on Saturday. The activity was also coupled with a mass wedding for dozens of couples.
Romo Syafi’i explained that God has equipped men and women with love, compassion, sexual instincts, and reproductive organs so that they can build a household through legal marriage. ‘That is why God hates seeing men with men, that is called gay. God is disgusted seeing women with women, that is called lesbian. Because God has so perfectly prepared all the feelings and vessels for marriage so that we marry,’ he said while delivering marital advice to the mass wedding couples.
According to him, all human biological and psychological apparatus has been prepared by God to build a family. Therefore, same-sex relationships are considered not in line with the purpose of human creation and the precepts of marriage.
Romo Syafi’i stated that marriage is not merely about uniting two individuals, but also serves as the foundation for the birth of a peaceful society and a strong nation. ‘Because we are entrusted to create a safe and peaceful society. A good nation starts from a good small community. A good small community is determined by a good household,’ he said.
He explained that the purpose of marriage, as enshrined in the Quran, is for couples to attain peace of mind. In addition, God also bestows love and affection as provisions for building a harmonious family.
On the occasion, Romo Syafi’i also appreciated the organisation of the Nikah Fest, which he said helps the community, especially couples who are constrained by costs or administrative processes for marriage. He noted that the state’s presence through the Directorate General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs provides a solution for people who are ready to marry but are hindered by economic issues.
‘This activity is very much needed. Many have reached the decision to marry, but imagining the process and the costs makes them postpone their sacred intention. The state’s presence through the Ministry of Religious Affairs means these difficulties can be overcome,’ he said.
Romo Syafi’i added that the Nikah Fest not only provides mass wedding services but also marriage guidance, financial literacy, zakat education, and facilitated access to subsidised housing programmes resulting from cooperation between the Ministry of Religious Affairs and related ministries. He hopes the programme can strengthen the resilience of Indonesian families, thereby giving rise to harmonious, loving, and compassionate families that become the foundation of society and the nation.