INDONESIAN police have arrested a gay couple for having a photograph of them kissing in public posted on Facebook which they claim is in contravention of the nation's strict anti-homosexual laws.
There has been a growing backlash against gay people in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country this year, with government ministers and religious leaders lining up to denounce them. Although traditionally a liberal country, Indonesia has become intolerant of gay rights lately.
Police spokesman Marzuki, said: “The couple admitted it’s them in the picture and they posted the picture to prove their love.”
Apparently, a 22-year-old university student and 24-year-old office worker were arrested on Tuesday in the city of Manado, on central Sulawesi island. This was after social media users complained about the picture of them kissing in bed, the police said.
The couple, who are not in police custody and whose identities were not disclosed, could be jailed if found guilty. Their image was removed from Facebook after a request from the communications and information technology ministry.
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