The oil rich kingdom of Brunei sent the world into shock when they announced a law allowing stoning people to death if they are found guilty for adultery and/or homosexuality. This law will go into effect on April 4.
Brunei is a small kingdom found on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, and is predominantly Muslim. Brunei has become the first country in Southeast Asia to impose capital punishment upon crimes of adultery and homosexuality. Both the United Nations and International Rights groups have denounced these forms of punishment, as they amount to torture and a violation of human rights.
So, why did the government of Brunei place these horrendous laws into place? The country based their new penal codes on Shariah, or Islamic law based on the Quran and other writings. Being gay has been illegal in this state since 1984; however, due to the implementation of strict Islamic code, the kingdom of Brunei now punishes homosexuality with death by stoning.
Many people all over the world are calling for others to boycott businesses in relation to the state of Brunei. Celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres and Elton John are asking people to boycott a string of the world’s most luxurious hotels, owned by the Sultan of Brunei.
John, an English songwriter, shared his opinion of Brunei’s anti-LGBT laws on Twitter. “We must send a message, however we can, that such treatment is unacceptable. That’s why David and I have long refused to stay at these hotels and will continue to do so. We hope you will join us in solidarity,” he wrote.
Another well known figure, George Clooney, spoke out on this issue. In a guest column for Deadline, Clooney explains the reasoning behind boycotting these hotels.
“But let’s be clear, every single time we stay at or take meetings at or dine at any of these nine hotels we are putting money directly into the pockets of men who choose to stone and whip to death their own citizens for being gay or accused of adultery,” Clooney wrote.
People across the world are not just boycotting the nine luxurious hotels owned by the Sultan of Brunei, but gas companies as well. The kingdom of Brunei is an oil-rich state and is one of the largest producers of oil in Asia. Oil and gas are responsible for more than 50% of Brunei’s GDP and economy.
People are aiming to also hurt this certain aspect of Brunei as well. This cruel punishment enrages the world, creating a demand for change upon this new penal code.
