The chief of human rights at the United Nations has slammed moves towards anti-gay laws in Brunei, denouncing them as “cruel and inhuman.”

The new laws 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.

Michelle Bachelet, the UN’s high commissioner for human rights, released a statement this week speaking out against the changes.

“I appeal to the Government to stop the entry into force of this draconian new penal code, which would mark a serious setback for human rights protections for the people of Brunei if implemented,” Bachelet said.

“[The death penalty] is disproportionately applied against people who are already vulnerable. Any religion-based legislation must not violate human rights, including the rights of those belonging to the majority religion as well as of religious minorities and non-believers.”

High-profile celebrities have also spoken out against the revelations, with George Clooney and Belinda Carlisle calling for a boycott of hotels owned by the nation’s affluent Sultan.

OIP Staff