Bandah Aceh – Authorities in the Indonesian autonomous region of Aceh have imposed medieval penalties for engaging in gay sex.

Aceh, a Muslim self governing province of Indonesia that uses Sharia Law, has passed new laws allowing heavy punishments for homosexuality, adultery and alcohol consumption.

Under the new laws, those convicted of homosexuality may face public lashings and up to eight years in prison.

The bill violates national and international treaties signed by Indonesia protecting the rights of minorities and women, said a gay rights activist in Aceh who requested anonymity because he feared for his safety.

“It’s discriminatory, and it’s saddening, but we are quite sure members of civil society who are concerned with human rights will not sit by silently,” the activist said, adding that he hopes the new moderate leadership in the province will overturn the law after taking power next month.

The decision to allow regions semi-autonomous power was made by the central government in 2001 in an attempt to pacify separatist rebels.

Indonesian local authorities were granted the right to use Islamic law, the result being a strict conservative attitude to homosexuality often leading to the prosecution of gays, despite a federal constitution supposed to protect LGBT civil rights.

The move has also led to strict prohibitions on alcohol and gambling in Aceh, while women must wear headscarves.

Human rights groups have condemned the move and the region’s vice-governor Muhamad Nazar has said he opposes stoning to death.

The bill will pass into law in 30 days’ time, two weeks before a new parliament led by the moderate Aceh Party is sworn in.

In 2007, Aceh authorities banned ‘Waria’ (ladyboys) from cutting the hair of women, putting many of them out of work.