Mahfud MD Says Criminalising LGBT Possible If National Consensus Reached, Citing Russia

Former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD believes the possibility of imposing criminal sanctions on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) behaviour in Indonesia remains open, provided a national legal consensus is formed. Mahfud stated that the applicability of a criminal rule depends on what is termed a resultant, or an agreement between society and lawmakers. Therefore, he said, the proposal to criminalise LGBT behaviour can only be realised if it gains sufficient support during the legislative process. The statement was made in response to encouragement from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) for LGBT conduct to be regulated and subject to criminal sanctions under national law. ‘In various countries, it is also strictly enforced. In Russia, for example, it is not allowed. In Indonesia, that law cannot yet be applied because it has not been agreed upon. Law is a resultant, law is an agreement,’ Mahfud said after the 15th Plenary Session of the Indonesian Islamic Congress (KUII) at Hotel Bidakara, Jakarta, on Saturday evening. According to Mahfud, a country like Russia can enforce a ban on LGBT propaganda or activities because it has nationally agreed legal norms. In Indonesia, discussions regarding regulations related to social and moral issues still face differing views, meaning no specific regulation has yet been produced.