(Image source from: BBC)

At the time when countries are decriminalizing homosexuality and embracing the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) community, countries like Brunei, a tiny nation on the island of Borne with a population of less than 5,00,000, have adopted cruel medieval practices of stoning gay people to death.

The Asian country is known for its rich oil imports and the Sultan of Brunei is one of the richest men in the world. He owns the Brunei Investment Agency which owns some of the most expensive hotels around the world.

Homosexuality was already illegal in Brunei with imprisonment up to 10 years. On March 30, the press statement from the Prime Minister's Office said, “In fully implementing the Syariah Penal Code Order (SPCO) 2013 from 3rd April 2019, both systems will continue to run in parallel to maintain peace and order and preserve religion, life, family and individuals regardless of gender, nationality, race, and faith.”

Since the country has announced the law, it has been receiving international calls to reverse its law on the cruel treatment of the gay community.

Under stages, two and three of the penal code, sex between two men carry a punishment of stoning to death, while sex between two women is punishable with 100 lashes. The law includes other harsh penalties such as amputation of limbs for stealing and imprisonment for dressing someone of a different gender.

The country has received widespread condemnation from the International community for its cruel treatment of the homosexual community.

American television host Ellen de Generes also urged social media users to boycott all of Brunei’s hotels that are located everywhere starting from Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, London, Paris, to even Rome and Milan in Italy.

The United Nations has also condemned the new law. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has called on the Government of Brunei to halt the entry into force of the Revised Penal Code which, if implemented in its current form, would enshrine in legislation cruel and inhuman punishments that seriously breach international human rights law, including death by stoning.

However, the Brunei government agencies have refused to repeal the law or to respond to any international media queries.

By Sowmya Sangam