Indonesia summons British ambassador over LGBT flag

Bangkok, May 23 (EFE).- The Indonesian authorities summoned Monday the British ambassador, Owen Jenkins, to protest the raising of an LGBT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) flag in the embassy, considering it controversial in the Muslim-majority country.

The British Embassy in Jakarta raised the multi-colored flag on May 17 to mark the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, according to an Instagram post by the British embassy.

“Sometimes it is important to take a stand for what you think is right, even if disagreement between friends can be uncomfortable. The UK holds that LGBT+ rights are fundamental human rights,” read the social media post, which included a picture of the LGBT flag next to that of the United Kingdom.

“The strongest, safest & most prosperous societies give everyone room to live freely as who they really are, without fear of violence or discrimination,” it added.

However, several netizens responded expressing outrage and demanding respect for the local customs, societal norms and religious beliefs.

Indonesian law does not prohibit homosexuality, with the exception of western Aceh province, where the Sharia or Islamic law is in force.

However, in recent years, human rights organizations have denounced an increase in repression against the LGBTI community in the Southeast Asian country, which also has the largest Muslim population in the world. EFE

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