Lawmakers passed a controversial revision of Indonesia's penal code, which also bans the cohabitation of unmarried couples Rights groups slammed the move as a crackdown on civil and political freedoms.
ADVERTISEMENTRights activists in Indonesia held protests outside the country's parliament after it approved a new criminal code banning sex outside marriage -- with a punishment of up to one year in prison.
While the country already bans adultery, the new law - which passed with support from all political parties on Tuesday - would also include premarital sex. It would apply to Indonesians and foreigners alike, and prohibit cohabitation between unmarried couples.
Critics describe the move as a setback to the country's freedoms. It could also have a major impact on the LGBTQ community in Indonesia, where gay marriage is not allowed.
Legislators defended the passage of the criminal code, which was decades in the making, as a much-needed overhaul of colonial laws.
The new laws won't come into effect for three years to allow for implementing regulations to be drafted.
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