The Australian Government have condemned Brunei’s new penal code, which could see people suspected of being homosexual stoned to death.

The new laws allow for death by stoning for extra-marital sex, anal sex and abortion. Sex between two women can also be punished with 100 lashes.

The changes, which have been part of a three stage plan to enact Sharia Law, saw an outcry from other nations, the United Nations and celebrities calling for a boycott of hotels owned by the South East Asian nation’s Sultan.

Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne says Australia has made their concerns known to the Brunei government.

“We absolutely oppose the death penalty and are committed to the rights of LGBTI people,” Senator Payne said.

“We will continue to advocate for human rights in the region and beyond.”

The foreign affairs department also updated the Smartraveler website late last month to warn of the harsh punishments.

The Greens LGBTI+ spokesperson Janet Rice and candidate for Higgins Jason Ball have also spoken out against the new laws, calling on the government to take further action.

“Brunei’s new laws punishing homosexual sex with death are extremely concerning and a serious violation of basic human rights,” Senator Rice said.

“I urge the Australian government to put as much pressure on Brunei to immediately repeal these inhumane laws.”

Ball added that Australia “needs to lead the charge in ensuring Brunei feels the heat from the international community that these laws are unacceptable, and that we won’t allow fear and hatred to go unchecked,” Ball said.

“This includes the possibility of working with other nations on a UN resolution condemning the Brunei Government’s actions, reviewing our diplomatic relationship with Brunei, and reconsidering Royal Brunei Airlines’ right to land aircraft in Australia.”

OIP Staff