Indonesia wants to ban all LGBT television characters

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October 3, 2017 | Arts / Entertainment

Indonesia wants to ban all LGBT television characters

Imagine a world without Will & Grace, The Simpsons and Ellen Degeneres. Well, just such a world is about to be forced onto Indonesians as their country is close to passing a law that would ban all queer characters from television shows.

And not only does Indonesia's House of Representatives have an issue with gay characters, it wants to prevent news programs from even reporting on any gay rights issues. Advertisements and documentaries will also be targeted.

"We can't allow LGBT behaviour on TV. It is against our culture," said Supiadin Aries Saputra from the NasDem Party. "We have to ban it early before it becomes a lifestyle. It's dangerous and can ruin the morality of the younger generation."

"I am sure there are still more creative ways to entertain people [instead of showing LGBT behaviour]," added Hanafi Rais from the National Mandate Party.

The anti-gay measure is actually part of a larger broadcasting bill being considered by the parliament and has support from all parties. If it is passed, all TV media would be screened by a special board to ensure compliance with the new bill.

Homosexuality is currently legal in Indonesia. We can't see that being the case for much longer.