Brilio.net/en - Indonesias government has urged instant messaging apps developers to remove stickers or emoji featuring same sex couples.This is the latest attempt to discourage the noticeable homosexuality in the country.
It always sparks controversy in thesociallyconservative country to show support or anything related to LGBTQ(abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) straightforwardly.
The government move forced by social media backlash against the popular messaging app Line for having stickers with gay themes in its online store.
Information and Communication Ministry spokesperson Ismail Cawidu saidThursday(11/2) that social media and messaging platforms should drop stickers expressing support for the LGBTQ community, and Line agreed to do as stated on its Facebook page.
In the post, Line reps expressed their regret as their stickers had made people uncomfortable and they were currently working to resolve these issues by removing the stickers.
At Line, we stick to the global benchmark for screening and filtering of content that is sensitive from the perspective of the local culture," it explained. "Line appreciates all the feedback from users and other parties related to the products and features, and we realize how sensitive this matter is and will work hard to ensure that things like this do not happen again.
LINE's statement via Facebook
The Indonesian government appreciated Line for complying.
We appreciate their work in addressing things that could potentially cause public unrest, especially the concerns of mothers of children on the negative influence of LGBT stickers," said the spokesperson, according to a post on the ministry's website.
Homosexuality remains a sensitive and controversial issue in the Muslim-majority nation like Indonesia, even though it is not illegal in the country.
Though majority of Indonesian society do not cherish the LGBTQs too much, they are rather tolerant. Gays and transsexuals often appear on television shows and largely accepted in society, as long as they dont openly show their sexual orientation.
Source:Mashable