Human rights groups have called on Brunei to abandon plans to introduce severe laws that would see people suspected of being homosexual whipped or stoned to death.
The changes in the law are part of a three stage plan to introduce Sharia Law into the country which was announced several years ago. In 2014 the country announced the first of three stages of legal changes that included fines or jail for offences like pregnancy outside marriage or failing to pray on Friday.
Previously, homosexuality was illegal in Brunei and punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, but new changes would allow whipping and stoning to death for Muslims found guilty of adultery, sodomy and rape.
Following widespread international condemnation in 2014 plans to abandon the second and third stages of the implementation of new laws was abandoned, but it is now understood that the changes will be implemented in early April.
Rachel Chhoa-Howard, Brunei Researcher at Amnesty International said the proposed legal changes were heinous.
“Pending provisions in Brunei’s Penal Code would allow stoning and amputation as punishments – including for children, to name only their most heinous aspects,” Chhoa- Howard said.
“Brunei must immediately halt its plans to implement these vicious punishments, and revise its Penal Code in compliance with its human rights obligations. The international community must urgently condemn Brunei’s move to put these cruel penalties into practice.”
“To legalize such cruel and inhuman penalties is appalling of itself. Some of the potential ‘offences’ should not even be deemed crimes at all, including consensual sex between adults of the same gender,” said Rachel Chhoa-Howard. “These abusive provisions received widespread condemnation when plans were first discussed five years ago.” Cchoa-Howard said.
OIP Staff
