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Islamic clerics mull smoking ban in Indonesia
Indonesian clerics have gathered to debate whether Muslims in the nation of 235 million should be banned from smoking.
- Agencies
- Published: 14:37 January 24, 2009
Padang Panjang: Indonesian clerics have gathered to debate whether Muslims in the nation of 235 million should be banned from smoking.
A decision by the top Islamic body to issue a fatwa, or religious ruling, could help shape government policy in one of the world's largest tobacco markets.
Gusrizal Gazahar, a member of Indonesia's Ulema Council, said more than 700 clerics and theologists turned out for talks in Padang Panjang, a village in West Sumatra.
Other hot issues included possible restrictions on practicing yoga and bans on underage marriage and even voting.
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