A same sex couple have been shocked by the advice given to them by the government’s official travel advice service. Worried about the changes to laws in Brunei which will see gay people stoned to death, the couple were advised to “act straight” when visiting the country.

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Smart Traveller is the government’s official travel advisory website and phone line. News.com have reported the experience of a same-sex couple who were concerned about the news that the country would enact strict Islamic laws on 3rd April.

From next week the punishment for homosexuality will be being stoned to death. It’s one of several extreme punishments for crimes that will be in effect from 3rd April.

The Tasmanian couple are flying to London next week but have a stopover in Brunei, first they expressed their concern to Webjet who they booked their flights with, but were told they would be unable to cancel their flights without it costing them $2,200.

The booking company suggested they express their concerns directly to Royal Brunei airlines. The couple explained that they didn’t feel comfortable declaring their sexuality to the Brunei based airline. Webjet has told news.com that they are looking into the matter.

Next the couple sought advice from the government’s Smart Traveller service,who urge travellers to be informed and be prepared when heading overseas.

At first they were told their short stay in the country shouldn;t be a problem, but the staff member was reportedly unaware of the changes to the laws. A second staff member told them if they were worried about the situation they should just act heterosexual.

Its seems the Smart Traveller team themselves were neither ‘informed’ or ‘prepared’ about the changing situation in the Asian nation.

The site has now updated it’s advice to include the changes to the laws. A representative for Smart Traveller told news.com that they take the safety of LGBTI travellers seriously.

OIP Staff