Dear friends, March 28, two young men were arrested in Indonesia. They face 100 lashings with a cane, and have been imprisoned for more than a month. And it's all because they're gay. Vigilante neighbors were suspicious of the pair, aged 20 and 23 years old, and intentionally burst in on them while they were having sex. After beating and mocking the couple, the vigilantes turned them over to the police. Now, the young men are awaiting trial as the first people ever to be charged under Indonesia's new anti-gay laws. As members of the Care2 community, we need to speak together with one voice to demand freedom for these two men. No one should face persecution, detainment or flogging based on who they are or whom they love. Indonesia's new laws promote hate and violence towards the LBGTQ community, which is both unacceptable and terrifying. This case will set a precedent that could become a horrifying norm for gay people all across Indonesia. We must speak out now before this couple and others are tortured and imprisoned. Thank you for all that you do,  | | Miranda B.
The Care2 Petitions Team |
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