Kontras Urges Gov't to Take Action Against Anti-LGBT Hate Speech
26 February 2016 14:10 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Haris Azhar, Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Person and Victims of Violence (Kontras) criticized the government for apparently ignoring numerous mistreatment received by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT), which continue to develop into hate speech.
Haris explained that what started as personal distaste has developed into acts of hostility and even hate speech towards LGBT communities. "This could lead to [acts of] violence and social conflict," Haris said through a written statement on Friday, February 26, 2016.
Haris argued that nowadays, certain parties have deliberately defined anti-LGBT statements as a form of freedom of speech. As a result, the government does not feel the need to intervene in suppressing hate speech.
Haris expressed his disagreement following a recent statement posted by a Twitter account under the name @tifsembiring. The account, which is known to belong to member of the House of Representatives Tifatul Sembiring, quoted a hadith that calls on the people to kill LGBTs.
The post later draw comments from other internet users, including Twitter account @asbabul_junub, which questions @tifsembiring view of Islam.
Tifatul refused to provide comment on the issue when Tempo called him for confirmation.
LARISSA HUDA