Indonesia opposes marriage between gays
Indonesia opposes marriage between gays
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is opposed to the marriage of two
people of the same sex, although the practice could cut the
population growth, President Soeharto said yesterday.
While recognizing that people's sexual rights should be
respected, Indonesia's concept of a family also stresses the
responsibility of fathers and mothers in raising a family,
Soeharto was quoted as saying by State Minister of Population
Haryono Suyono.
Haryono, yesterday, reported to President Soeharto on the
preparations for the United Nations Conference on Population and
Development in Cairo next week.
The questions of abortion and marriage among gays are two of
the most contentious issues that will be raised at the Cairo
meeting, with some staunchly religious countries -- including The
Vatican and Saudi Arabia -- opposing the attempt to include the
issues in the agenda.
Yesterday, Soeharto appointed Haryono to head the Indonesian
delegation to the conference. The President had originally been
scheduled to address the gathering to represent the developing
countries and the Non-Aligned Movement. Minister/State Secretary
Moerdiono announced last week that the president decided not to
attend after doctors told him to get plenty of rest.
Haryono, who also chairs the National Family Planning Board,
said yesterday that the President has given his assurance that
neither homosexual marriages nor abortion will ever be
incorporated into the national family planning program.
Haryono said that 40 countries around the world have accepted
the rights of gays and lesbians to form families.
He did not rule out the possibility that these issues will be
discussed at the Cairo meeting. "Although they are a minority,
they could be vocal," he was quoted by the Antara news agency as
saying.
Indonesia, however, has no intention of meddling in the
affairs of those countries who uphold the rights of gays and
lesbians, he said, stressing that it was their right to do so.
Regarding abortion, the minister said Indonesia recognizes the
practice but only for health considerations and under very strict
conditions.(rms)