"Bali is considered one of the world’s most idyllic islands by travellers of every stripe. But unmarried and LGBTQ visitors to popular spots like Bali may be warned to make alternative holiday plans if proposed changes to Indonesia’s criminal code – which would criminalise ‘adultery’ (and therefore same-sex relationships) – is passed," reports Lonely Planet.
Currently, Bali is a rainbow-friendly destination, with a large gay and lesbian expat community (many of whom own businesses on the island).
Revisions to the criminal code will likely go before a vote in October 2019. The proposed changes target adultery (sex outside of marriage) as a 'social evil' as well as abortion and contraception, and same-sex marriage is not recognised. If passed, they would come into effect by 2021.
While Indonesian lawmakers have been quick to assure the international community and human rights groups that the proposed laws are unlikely to be applied to tourists, countries such as Australia have told LGBTQ travellers to exercise a "high degree" of caution when visiting.
"Of particular concern to LGBTQ travellers are articles 417, criminalising extramarital sex; 419, outlawing extramarital cohabitation; and 421, criminalising public ‘obscene acts’. The definition of ‘obscene acts’ is vague, leaving the door open for any same-sex cohabitation to become criminal with potential punishments ranging from six months to a year in prison," Lonely Planet adds.
