UPDATE: Bali no-sex law will not affect tourists

Officials say that Indonesia’s sweeping sex laws, which is making its way to Bali in the next few years, will not affect tourists.

“Bali is safe to be visited” says Governer

One of the most popular island destinations in the world will be introducing a new sex law in the next three years. Bali, Indonesia’s beloved tourist destination, will become subject to legislation that outlaws sex outside marriage.

But now, reports BBC news, tourists visiting Indonesia will actually not be prosecuted for sex outside marriage in the country, officials have said.

“The new code, which will apply to Indonesians and visiting foreigners alike and has prompted alarm from human rights campaigners, will also prohibit cohabitation between unmarried couples,” the Guardian claimed recently.

While the law would technically apply to locals and foreigners in the country, officials have tried to quell the fears of tourists who are afraid of being prosecuted.

“Bali is Bali as usual, which is comfortable and safe to be visited,” Bali Governor Wayan Koster said.

Koster added that visitors would not be required to prove their marital status when checking into any accommodation, and local officials would not carry out checks.

Indonesia’s deputy justice minister, Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej, also promised that foreigners would not be prosecuted.

“I want to emphasise for foreign tourists, please come to Indonesia because you will not be charged with this article,” said Hiariej, as per BBC.

The Indonesian government also said that according to the new criminal code, extra-marital sex and cohabitation offences would only be prosecuted if reported by a spouse, parent or child. This makes it unlikely that tourists will be affected, the officials maintained.

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