WORDS: Gary Kelly
Brunei, a small Islamic fiefdom has implemented a law this week whereby people caught engaging in anal sex or homosexual relationships in general can be put to death. And get this: by being stoned to death. You read that right, people will be buried up to their necks and have rocks thrown at them until they die because of who they are.
What do you feel about that?
I worry about this in the current climate, it concerns me after the Christchurch terrorist attack. That it inflames divisions in wider global society more. At the same time it will be interesting to see if there are any sanctions at a government level given there are British and American interests there.
Imagine how terrifying it will be to be gay in Brunei. A gay man in country told the BBC: "You wake up and realise that your neighbours, your family or even that nice old lady that sells prawn fritters by the side of the road doesn't think you're human, or is okay with stoning,".
How would you personally feel if you lived in these conditions?
Enter the entertainment sector!
In lieu of any action by Western Governments so far. George Clooney and Ellen DeGeneres have led a response to boycott hotels which are owned by the Sultan of Brunei.
Ellen DeGeneres tweeted this image calling for a boycott.
"I want to see Islamic teachings in this country grow stronger," Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah said in a public address, as per the AFP news agency.
Homosexuality was already illegal in Brunei, punishable by 10 years in prison.
The new, wider and more draconian laws include:
Lesbian sex will carry a penalty of 40 strokes of a cane and/or up to 10 years in jail
The sentence for theft is amputation
Those who "persuade, tell or encourage" Muslim children under the age of 18 "to accept the teachings of religions other than Islam" are liable to a fine or jail
Children who have not yet reached puberty may be subject to whipping.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you feel that this has any place in a civilised society? Do you think the UK the United States and other countries should cut ties with Brunei?