Bali officials say tourists will not be charged under controversial new sex ban

Indonesian officials say tourists won't be charged under new laws banning extramarital sex - despite overhaul including foreign visitors

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Indonesian officials have said tourists will not be charged under the country's controversial new ban on extramarital sex - although it will still apply to foreign visitors.

Earlier this month, the country's parliament unanimously passed a revision to the country's penal code that criminalizes sex outside of marriage for citizens as well as foreigners.

The controversial laws also prohibit the promotion of contraception, such as condoms, and prohibit the defamation of the president and state institutions.

The new laws are expected to come into force in three years.

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Now Balinese officials have said that tourists visiting the country "don't need to worry" about the rules.

Balinese Governor Wayan Koster said in a statement, "Based on the provisions of the new Indonesian Penal Code, visitors visiting or living in Bali would not have to worry."

He also added that there would be "no vital checks at tourist accommodation such as hotels, villas, guesthouses or spas, nor inspections by agents public or community groups".

Meanwhile, the country's Deputy Minister for Law and Human Rights, Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej, told local news: "I would like to emphasize for foreign tourists, please please come to Indonesia because you will not be accused of this article."

However, it should be noted that even though the authorities state that tourists will not be charged, the law still applies to foreign visitors.

The revision states that complainants in adultery cases must be an immediate family member of one of the two parties. This way...