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View all search resultsGovt criticized for categorizing LGBT people as sick
Activists have warned that the existing 2014 government regulation on reproductive health may lead to systemic failure to deliver sexual and reproductive health services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals, as under the regulation, they are still categorized as sufferers of sexual disorders
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ctivists have warned that the existing 2014 government regulation on reproductive health may lead to systemic failure to deliver sexual and reproductive health services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals, as under the regulation, they are still categorized as sufferers of sexual disorders.
Yogyakarta-chapter Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association (PKBI) director Gama Triyono praised Government Regulation (PP) No.61/2014 on Reproductive Health as a positive development in state protection of abortion.
'However, PP 61 still has a number of negative points. It continues to describe LGBT people as suffering from social dysfunction disorders,' said Gama in Yogyakarta on Monday.
He urged all related parties to immediately end stigma and discrimination against vulnerable groups, namely LGBT people, commercial sex workers and people with HIV/AIDS, and to eradicate sexual violence. He also urged that the fulfillment of the sexual and reproductive rights of the groups be improved. 'The accessibility of sexual and reproductive health care information and services must become more comprehensive,' said Gama.
Renate Arisugawa of the Komunitas LGBT said PP 61 had resulted in LGBT individuals feeling discriminated against, to the point that they did not feel comfortable seeking sexual and reproductive health services.
'Physicians often connect health complaints with patients' sexual orientation. We've had cases in which transvestites have sought medical help to cure their influenza but the doctors suspected them of seeking medical treatment for their sexually-transmitted infections,' she said.
Renate further explained there had been cases in which doctors urged LGBT individuals to get medical treatment, categorizing their sexual orientation as an illness.
Health Deputy Minister Ali Ghufron Mukti said the government's stance on LGBT issues still referred to PP 61, which stipulates that a healthy sexual life is one free from sexual orientation disorders and dysfunctions.
'That's the government's official stance on LGBT issues, and we should adhere to it,' said Ali.
The World Health Organization and the Diagnostic Classification on Mental Disorder Guidelines (PPDGJ) no longer classify differing sexual orientation as a mental disorder. (ebf)
