On May 21, Indonesian authorities arrested 141 men, claiming they were engaging in a "gay sex party" at Atlantis Gym & Sauna in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, according to an OutRight Action International press release.
Indonesia does not have laws criminalizing homosexuality, except in the Aceh province; however, the country does have severe anti-pornography laws that have been used to target LGBTIQ websites and activities.
OutRight Action International Executive Director Jessica Stern said, "What is happening in Indonesia is dangerous and scary. Officials are using their own personal biases on morality to oppress different groups and especially LGBTIQ people.
"In the past, the LGBTIQ community has experienced more tolerance in Indonesian society, but particularly over the past 18 months crackdowns have increased and the situation has become much worse for LGBTIQ people. LGBTIQ Indonesians are equal citizens and must not be singled out and oppressed simply for who they love or who they are."
Ten people will be charged, authorities said, including the sauna's owner, several staffers and two visitors to the club who allegedly performed oral sex, ABC News reported. If found guilty, they face penalties of fines and up to 10 years in prison.
The ABC News item is at abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/indonesia-police-arrests-dozens-raid-jakarta-gay-sauna-47551754 .