Indonesian activists sue parliament
An anti-pornography bill being considered by the parliament is challenged in court.
Unprecedented
The legal challenge being mounted is unprecedented.
“The law is not about [bare women’s] navels and behinds, it will be used as a point of entry for cultural uniformity and it won’t stop at that.
“This is a threat that we have to stop before it divides the country,” said singer Frankie Sahilatua, a member of the Unity in Diversity alliance.
“Five provinces have stated that they will break away from Indonesia if this law is passed,” he said.
The bill – which is awaiting a vote in parliament – would make organising a public display of erotic dancing an offence punishable by up to 10 years in prison, or a fine of one billion rupiah [$100,000].
Performing dances deemed erotic, or kissing on the mouth in public, would be punishable by five years in prison or a 250 million rupiah fine.
Critics say some provisions in the anti-pornography bill would curtail artistic freedom and violate women’s rights.
Indonesia is the world’s most-populous Muslim country, but most Muslims follow a tolerant interpretation of the faith.