Tiny oil-rich nation issues statement pleading “peace” and “respect”
Brunei has defended its decision to pass a new Islamic law introducing the death penalty for adultery and homosexuality.
The government issued a statement saying it was an independent country and had the right to do as it wished.
Brunei said the new law will come into force next week on 3 April.
The tiny Muslim-majority country received worldwide condemnation last week after it announced plans to introduce the new law.
Sovereign right
“Brunei Darussalam is a sovereign Islamic and fully independent country and, like all other independent countries, enforces its own rule of laws”, the statement said. “Brunei Darussalam has always been practising a dual legal system, one that is based on the Syariah (Shariah) Law and the other on Common Law.
The statement, issued by the Prime Minister’s office goes on, bizarrely, to talk about peace and respect for its citizens. The government made no reference to the rights of its LGBTI community:
“In fully implementing the Syariah Penal Code Order (SPCO) 2013 from 3rd April 2019, both systems will continue to run in parallel to maintain peace and order and preserve religion, life, family and individuals regardless of gender, nationality, race and faith.
“The Syariah Law, apart from criminalising and deterring acts that are against the teachings of Islam, it also aims to educate, respect and protect the legitimate rights of all individuals, society or nationality of any faiths and race.
Worldwide condemnation
Leaders around the world come condemned to move by the tiny oil-rich state. Former US Secretary of State, Joe Biden posted his outrage on Twitter:
“Stoning people to death for homosexuality or adultery is appalling and immoral,” Biden wrote on Friday. “There is no excuse – not culture, not tradition – for this kind of hate and inhumanity.”
And Oscar-winning actor George Clooney called for a boycott of the world famous luxury hotels owned by the nation.
The state-owned Brunei Investment Company, owns nine top class hotels around the world, including the Beverly Hills Hotel in LA, the Dorchester in London and the Plaza Athenee in Paris.
by Mark Johnson
Source – Gay Star News
