Same-Sex Punishment in Banda Aceh: Men Flogged for Consensual Act

76 lashes with a cane in front of a crowd. This was the punishment given to two men today who voluntarily and in mutual agreement had sex with each other in Indonesia's ultra-religious region Banda Aceh.

» Published: August 26 2025 at 12:08

Same-Sex Punishment in Banda Aceh: Men Flogged for Consensual Act
Photo: Reza Saifullah/AP/TT

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The two men were arrested in April after tips from the public reached the region's sharia police. After a four-month detention, the 76 lashes were carried out in front of a crowd in a park in the region's capital.

Banda Aceh observes a draconian interpretation of Muslim sharia law where torture and corporal punishment are legion for same-sex sex. Sex outside of marriage as well as gambling and handling of alcohol are also punished with lashes.

After the region received a special autonomous status within Indonesia in 2001, the ultra-religious interpretation of Muslim sharia law was quickly introduced.

Human rights organizations have condemned the incident.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers
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