Indonesia Minister of Religion Denies Supporting LGBT

Indonesian Minister of Religion Lukman Hakim Saifuddin (Antara)

Yogyakarta, MINA – Indonesian Minister of Religion Lukman Hakim Saifuddin has strongly denies supporting LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) movement.

Menag asserted, what he said before does not mean he agreed to LGBT actions. “There is no religion that tolerates LGBT acts,” said the Minister after launcing Gebyar Kerukunan event and E-Government in Yogyakarta Province on Monday.

Quoted from the release of Kemenag, according to him, all religions do not approve acts or LGBT behavior. “The rejection of LGBT has even become a common agreement in our positive law and there is no doubt,” he said.

Menag explained, in the society, there are many point of views on the causes of LGBT. This diversity of views is not only happening among religious leaders, but also academics, experts in psychiatric, health, and social experts.

Positive legal norms in Indonesia did not legalize LGBT. The Marriage Law states the validity of marriage if it is done by man and woman according to religious teachings.

“In my opinion, they should be embraced and nurtured, not just shunned and excommunicated. It is precisely our duty of believers. If we think it is a misguided act, then our obligation to invite them back to the right path, “Lukman said.

“The issue which is now become viral in social media, the Minister reportedly attended an event held by a group of LGBT in August 2016. (T/P2/RS5)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)