Lawmakers in Indonesia have approved a new criminal code that bans sex outside marriage, and unmarried couples living together. Violators could be sentenced to up to one year in prison in the first case, and six months in the second.

The controversial changes gained support from most political parties. The new code also bans criticizing the government and protesting without notice.

But the changes are drawing criticism as a setback for freedom and democracy in the country. Protesters from several communities gathered in front of the parliament on Tuesday, calling for the changes to be withdrawn.

Foreigners will also be affected. That's raising concerns in the tourism industry, currently struggling to recover from the pandemic.

The revisions come as Islamic conservatives increase their influence on society. But the parliament has emphasized it is just updating the code inherited from the Dutch colonial era.

The new code will take up to three years to fully implement. The government says it needs time to explain the reasons for it to society.