Jakarta: Indonesia's most influential Muslim leaders say they reject all promotion and support for lesbian and gay groups and encouraged the government to make gay sexual activity illegal.
The statement by the Indonesian Ulema Council, made up of clerics and other Islamic organizations, follows the government's move on Monday urging the U.N. Development Program to deny funding to programs regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla said LGBT programs contradict the social and culture values of the country.
The Council on Wednesday called LGBT activities harmful and a potential source of diseases.
Homosexuality is a sensitive issue in Indonesia and official statements on LGBT matters range from tolerance to outright condemnation. Most of Indonesian society is tolerant, with gay and transsexual entertainers often appearing on television.
