Indonesian activists condemn Aceh stoning law

A mosque in Aceh in Indonesia

Indonesian human rights activists have condemned controversial legislation on adultery introduced in Aceh province. Under the new law, adopted on Monday in the strictly Islamic province, men and women found guilty of adultery are to be stoned to death.

The head of the country's National Commission on Human Rights called the punishment cruel and degrading. Opponents of the legislation argue that stoning belongs to the Middle Ages and the commission is calling on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to rescind the law.
 
The legislation also condemns people having sex outside of marriage to 100 lashes of the whip. Rape, drinking alcohol, gambling and homosexual acts are punishable by 400 lashes.
 
Semi-autonomous Aceh formally introduced Islamic sharia law in 2001. Until now, the sharia legislation has been confined to less controversial issues, with regulations concerning fasting, prayer, acceptable clothing and giving to the poor.