LGBT and Same-sex Marriages are Prohibited in Indonesia

JAKARTA – The Fiducia Supplicans Declaration published by Vatican News, Monday, December 18, 2023 caused an uproar around the world. Because Pope Francis allows priests to bless same-sex marriages.

Even though the document explains that the blessing is not related to the wedding liturgy, this decision is considered to provide a breath of fresh air for the development of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) circles.

The Indonesian Ambassador to the Holy See of the Vatican, Michael Trias Kuncahyono, emphasized that the Catholic Church still does not recognize the existence of same-sex marriage. Because eternal Catholic doctrine states that marriage is between a man and a woman forever.

In fact, the eternal Catholic doctrine regarding marriage will not change and Pope Francis will maintain this eternal doctrine of marriage. Therefore, it would be impossible for Pope Francis, as the supreme leader of Catholicism worldwide, to approve same-sex marriage.

According to Trias, for the Catholic Church, marriage is an exclusive union between a man and a woman, stable and cannot be divorced. "From there it is clear that same-sex marriage is certainly not a Catholic marriage principle," he added.

He explained that the existence of LGBT groups cannot be denied, and on the other hand the Catholic Church continues to bless all human beings, without exception. In this way, LGBT people also receive blessings as humans just like everyone else.

However, this blessing is not a sign of the Catholic Church's recognition of same-sex marriage. “When asked whether it is true that the Catholic Church blesses LGBT marriages, the answer goes back to the basic principle. So of course the Catholic Church does not bless same-sex marriages. But, are they (LGBT people) blessed, yes, I say everyone is blessed. "Blessings as an ordinary human being, like other people," said Trias.

Secretary of the Family Commission of the Indonesian Bishop's Office (KWI), RP Y Aristanto MSF, stated that the declaration underlines Catholic marriage and the rite of blessing marriages where, based on the doctrine or teachings of faith, the church upholds the teachings of Catholic marriage.

Then, the sacrament rite of marriage is only given by an official minister of the Church to a man and a woman to enter into married life. "So the Church does not have the power to bless same-sex marriages," he said.

Chairman of the Center for Da'wah and Improvement of National Morals (PDPAB) of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), KH Masyhuril Khamis asked all parties to be aware of the spread of LGBT groups. This is because the Vatican's declaration could be misinterpreted by LGBT groups as meaning that their relationship has received the blessing of the Vatican.

He emphasized that LGBT issues cannot be considered trivial. "They (LGBT) are like a virus that spreads all the time and can spread with all its variants," he said.

Kiai Masyhuril reminded that the government must be firm and serious in making preventive, educational and coaching efforts as well as strengthening regulations for the sustainability of an Indonesian generation with noble morals and character, in accordance with the demands of Pancasila. Because if the government is indifferent or indifferent towards LGBT, then the question is what will become of Indonesia's next generation.

"Likewise, the community must work together to become a locomotive of social control that must be moved, we must strengthen togetherness, increase awareness, so that this societal disease can be minimized," he said.

Former General Chair of Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia, Sang Nyoman Suwisma, said that Hinduism strictly prohibits promiscuity between men and women, let alone same-sex relationships between men and men or women and women.

“In the manners and morals of the Hindu religion, homosexual behavior is prohibited. "Promise between unmarried men and women is prohibited, especially those of the same sex," he said.

He emphasized that Hinduism prohibits marriage and relationships between people of the same sex because in Hindu literature, Hyang Widhi creates men as fathers and women as mothers through marriage ceremonies.

“There is absolutely no Hindu literature that allows same-sex sexual relations. "Because of that, Hindus oppose same-sex marriage," said Suwisma.

Presidential candidate number 1, Anies Baswedan gave his views on the existence of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) groups in Indonesia.

Anies firmly stated that he was personally against LGBT. Because their sexual orientation is contrary to religious principles.

"I personally do not agree with LGBT, and in my opinion, we believe that it is not something that is in line with the principles of our religion," said Anies at the Urging Anies event, Central Jakarta, Friday, December 22.

Apart from that, Anies views LGBT as not being in line with Pancasila values. Because, based on the first principle, namely "Belief in One Almighty God". So, one of the ways in which decisions are made in the state refers to religion.

Likewise with legalization of marriage. In Indonesia, same-sex marriage is prohibited.

"As far as religions in Indonesia are concerned, the six recognized religions have stated that they do not accept LGBT, so the state cannot recognize it either. Why? That's why the religious process doesn't exist there. LGBT cannot be recognized in Indonesia for marriage and that is a fixed price in my opinion, " he explained.