Brunei is defending its new anti-gay sharia laws, which make sodomy and adultery punishable by death by stoning, claiming there was an international “misconception”.
In a letter to the United Nations, foreign minister Erywan Yusof called for an understanding of human rights in “the national context” and for respect for Brunei’s sovereignty.
The letter says the law, which also applies to children and foreigners, would prevent homosexual activity rather than punish it. “We reaffirm that the syariah criminal law system focuses more on prevention than punishment,” he argued. “Its aim is to educate, deter, rehabilitate and nurture rather than punish.”
The UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights earlier said the planned implementation of the new laws contravened the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was ratified by Brunei in 2006.
Homosexuality used to carry up to 10 years in prison but now those found guilty of having gay or adulterous sex can be stoned to death or whipped. Thieves may have their right hands or left feet amputated. [ASEAN Economist] Read more
