Premium Content:

United Nations human rights chief condemns Brunei's new anti-gay laws

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

- Advertisement -

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


 

Latest

New scheme offers $40,000 grant for short film

Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund (AFFIF) has partnered with Pride Foundation Australia (PFA) on a new short film initiative.  

G Flip announces their new album will be titled ‘Dream Ride’

The album arrives in September but there will be a new track released later this week.

Micah McLaurin is back with new track ‘Remember Me’

McLaurin has teamed up with producer Fernando Garibay for his new track.

Mystery shakes up a sleepy beachside town in ‘The Family Next Door’

ABC has announced a new mystery drama series is coming to our screens this August.

Newsletter

Don't miss

New scheme offers $40,000 grant for short film

Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund (AFFIF) has partnered with Pride Foundation Australia (PFA) on a new short film initiative.  

G Flip announces their new album will be titled ‘Dream Ride’

The album arrives in September but there will be a new track released later this week.

Micah McLaurin is back with new track ‘Remember Me’

McLaurin has teamed up with producer Fernando Garibay for his new track.

Mystery shakes up a sleepy beachside town in ‘The Family Next Door’

ABC has announced a new mystery drama series is coming to our screens this August.

Queer NAIDOC: Celebrate NAIDOC Week at WA Museum Boola Bardip

Queer NAIDOC is celebrating both NAIDOC Week and LGBTQIA+SB Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

New scheme offers $40,000 grant for short film

Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund (AFFIF) has partnered with Pride Foundation Australia (PFA) on a new short film initiative.  

G Flip announces their new album will be titled ‘Dream Ride’

The album arrives in September but there will be a new track released later this week.

Micah McLaurin is back with new track ‘Remember Me’

McLaurin has teamed up with producer Fernando Garibay for his new track.