Dozens of parents held a protest outside an elementary school in Medan, North Sumatra today, demanding that the principal step down because he is gay.
Based on their flawed beliefs that homosexuals are necessarily child molesters, the parents say they fear the principal may harm their children.
“So this is our concern. Do not let our children be victims. We have gathered parents here and almost 300 [parents] have signed [a petition] rejecting the principal,” one parent, named Raiman, told reporters.
Raiman said the principal was outed on Facebook in April, with the latter admitting to having had relations with several men but vowed to repent. The principal was also said to have signed a resignation letter in July following outcry from parents and teachers, but has continued to lead the school to this day.
“He dares to [have relations] with adults, let alone children,” Raiman said.
The Medan Education Board said it will look into the matter.
Homosexuality is not illegal in Indonesia, but many members of the LGBTQ+ community choose not to outwardly express their sexual identity over fear of rejection or persecution on moral and/or religious grounds, especially those serving in public institutions.
Also read — Indonesian soldier imprisoned for same-sex relations as military reiterates firm stance against LGBT
Reader Interactions