British Embassy sparks controversy in Indonesia by raising LGBT+ flag

The British Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, hoisted a rainbow LGBT+ flag last week to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia on May 17. However, Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have called the action “highly insensitive” to Indonesian people and have urged other foreign officials not to follow suit.

The British Embassy posted a photo of the raised flag, alongside a Union Jack, with the caption…

“We urge the international community to eradicate discrimination, including based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and to promote diversity and tolerance. We urge countries to decriminalise consensual same sex relations, and to introduce legislation that protects LGBT+ people from all forms of discrimination.”

Spokesperson for Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Teuku Faizasyah said today…

“[The flag-raising], as well as…