The Indonesian Government is set to pass a law that will criminalise sex before marriage in the country.
According Reuters, the parliament is expected to pass the new criminal code this month.
The Deputy Justice Minister, Edward Hiariej, stated that the new criminal code is expected to be passed on Dec. 15.
“We’re proud to have a criminal code that’s in line with Indonesian values”. he said.
The code, if passed, would apply to Indonesian citizens and foreigners alike, with business groups expressing concern about what damage the rules might have on Indonesia’s image as a holiday and investment destination.
A previous version of the code was scheduled to be adopted in 2019, but it was met with widespread opposition. At the time, tens of thousands of people protested a number of laws they believed would restrict civil liberties, particularly those that were seen as regulating morality and free speech.
