Law punishing gay sex with caning takes effect in Indonesia

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http://bigstory.ap.org/article/15e78505e3f448cba91660ea35c8859f/law-punishing-gay-sex-caning-takes-effect-indonesia

Oct. 23, 2015 9:57 AM EDT

BANDA ACEH, Indonesia (AP) — A law that makes gay sex punishable by public caning has taken effect in a conservative Indonesian province.

The law took effect in Aceh province on Friday. It says anyone caught having homosexual sex can face up to 100 strokes of a cane, a fine of up to 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of gold (about $37,400) and imprisonment of up to 100 months. Adulterers are also subject to 100 lashes of a cane, but not to the fine or imprisonment.

Aceh is considered more devout than other areas of Muslim-majority Indonesia.

Indonesia's national criminal code doesn't regulate homosexuality, and the central government doesn't have the power to strike down provincial laws.