Indonesia’s Aceh Province Poised to Apply Shariah Law to Non-Muslims

The Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, the most prominent symbol of Aceh, was built by the Dutch in the late 19th century to replace a mosque they had earlier destroyed during a war, Dec. 5, 2014. (Maimun Saleh/VOA)

Residents and visitors of Aceh are advised not only to dress modestly on the ground of mosques but throughout the province, Dec. 5, 2014. (Maimun Saleh/VOA)

A convicted gambler grimaces as he is whipped as punishment, Dec. 5, 2014. (Maimun Saleh/VOA)

Those convicted of shariah law have the option of jail time, paying a fine in gold or being caned, Dec. 5, 2014. (Maimun Saleh/VOA)

A woman in Banda Aceh watches her husband being lashed for gambling, Dec. 5, 2014. (Maimun Saleh/VOA)

A prosecutor takes the cane to a man convicted of playing a card game for money, Dec. 5, 2014. (Maimun Saleh/VOA)

A convicted gambler prepares to be lashed, Dec. 5, 2014. (Maimun Saleh/VOA)

A policeman displays canes used to whip convicted criminals under Aceh's Shariah law, Dec. 5, 2014. (Maimun Saleh/VOA)

Women on motorcycles in Aceh can be stopped by special Shariah police if they are deemed not to be properly covered, Dec. 7, 2014. (Zinlat Aung/VOA)

Some Catholic worry they will no longer be able to properly celebrate Mass if Shariah law is strictly enforced for non-Muslims in Aceh, Dec. 7, 2014. (Zinlat Aung/VOA)

Catholics pray at a church in Banda Aceh, Dec. 7, 2014. (Zinlat Aung/VOA)

Worshippers inside the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh, Dec. 7, 2014. (Zinlat Aung/VOA)

A sign near the beach in Aceh warns couples not to engage in improper behavior, Dec. 9, 2014. (Zinlat Aung/VOA)