Indonesian Porn Bill Vote Delayed

DENPASAR, Indonesia — Legislation offered as a "Ramadan gift" to Indonesia's Muslim populace has been shelved until after Eid al-Fitr, the traditional celebration at the end of Ramadan.

The bill, which seeks to protect Indonesian children from sexual content, is far reaching. It would bar such public acts as holding hands and kissing in public. Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim majority nation with over 220 million citizens. Hard-line Islamic groups, as well as the nation's largest political party, Golkar, have come out in support of the legislation.

Indonesia, an enormous archipelagic nation, includes the predominantly Hindu island of Bali. According to a report on ABC News.com, approximately 1,000 Balinese protestors demonstrated their opposition to the proposed law on Wednesday.

"The porn bill is not a gift but humiliation for the nation" was the message on a banner held by a protestor, the report noted. Bali's governor, Made Mangku Pastika also rejected the parliament plan for passing the bill.

Bali has long been a favored destination for Asian and European tourists – many of whom enjoy the relaxed tropical atmosphere in bikinis and western-style beach wear.

The Indonesian economy relies heavily on international tourism. The island of Bali is especially dependant on the tourism trade. The destination is still recovering from the coordinated terrorist bombing of three nightclubs on Oct. 12, 2002. Two hundred and two people were killed in the explosions, 164 of who were foreign nationals. Bombings in 2003, 2004 and 2005 claimed additional lives.

The bill has sparked concern among Indonesians who have seen radical Muslim groups gain power since the 1998 demise of previous president Suharto.

Voting on the bill has been indefinitely postponed following protests in several provinces across the country, reports website ItalyGlobalNation.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect in South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

Show More