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Police halt gay wedding ceremony in Central Java
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Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Ma’ruf Amin (center), accompanied by MUI deputy secretary-general Amirsyah Tambunan (left) and representatives from Islamic mass organizations, displays a new edict during a press conference at the MUI office in Jakarta on Thursday. (JP/Wendra Ajistyatama)
Police have put a stop to a same-sex wedding ceremony between two local men from Kepil, Wonosobo regency, Central Java.
Andi Budi Sutrisno was set to marry Didik Suseno on Saturday when police officers stopped the wedding, arguing that such a ceremony violated the law and caused discomfort among local residents.
Locals had previously urged the police to cancel the planned wedding.
The police said the ceremony was stopped peacefully following a persuasive and friendly approach toward the couple.
Kepil Police chief Adj. Comr. Surakhman confirmed on Monday that they had received tip-offs regarding the marriage.
Andi, who is 27 years old, was already in his wedding attire when the police arrived on the scene, he said. Andi's parents had also announced the wedding to the Muslim assembly three days beforehand, the police added.
According to Surakhman, following a discussion with several influential figures and religious leaders, the couple and their respective parents came to a realization and subsequently felt discouraged to continue with the ceremony.
"To avoid a repeat of this incident, we ask the public to always care for each other and remind each other when there are activities that are contrary to the law," Surakhman said as quoted by tempo.co.
Same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in Indonesia. The government stipulates that a marriage is between a man and a woman as stated in the 1974 Marriage Law.
The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community has been dominating public debate recently with arguments in support of and against the minority group.
A number of prominent government officials and religious figures have condemned the community while urging for the limitation of LGBT-related activities. The MUI announced in February that it considered individuals identifying as LGBT to be haram.
Meanwhile, human rights groups have called for the protection of the minority group's basic rights, including equal access to education and job opportunities. (liz/bbn)
