Banda Aceh: Muslims who commit adultery
can be stoned to death under a new Sharia law approved today
by lawmakers in Indonesia`s staunchly Islamic province of
Aceh.
The law -- which also criminalises offences including
rape, the consumption of alcohol and gambling -- was passed
unanimously in the province on the northern tip of Sumatra
Island.
"All parties agreed unanimously to pass the bill into a
law, including the article stipulating the punishment of death
by stoning," parliamentary special hearing chairman Bachron M
Rasyid told reporters.
"This law will be effective in 30 days with or without
the approval of Aceh`s governor," he said.
The law replaces elements of the civil code with sharia
or Islamic law. It stipulates punishments of up to 100 lashes
of the cane for unmarried people who commit adultery and death
by stoning for married people.
The administration of Aceh Governor Irwandi Yusuf, a
former rebel fighter of the separatist Free Aceh Movement, is
opposed to the strict sharia law. It had urged a delay in the
bill`s deliberation.
Aceh had previously only partially adopted sharia law,
enforcing modest Muslim dress codes, mandatory prayers five
times a day, fasting and the giving of alms to the poor.
Bureau Report
