Sultan of Brunei: Gay People Will Not Be Stoned to Death
Following intense international backlash, the Sultan of Brunei has released a rare statement confirming that gay people will not be stoned to death.
“I am aware that there are many questions and misperceptions with regard to the implementation of the SPCO. However, we believe that once these have been cleared, the merit of the law will be evident,” the statement reads.
“As evident for more than two decades, we have practised a de facto moratorium on the execution of death penalty for cases under the common law. This will also be applied to cases under the SPCO which provides a wider scope for remission.”
While no longer punished by death, homosexuality remains illegal in the country for both men and women.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Scotland, who was among the many politicians and activists that criticised the new laws, said this a step in the right direction: “I have been in contact with the government of Brunei Darussalam both before and after April 3, strongly urging it to reconsider the implementation of these harsh punishments.
“I am delighted the death penalty has been removed and that the de facto moratorium which has been in place for more than two decades, will also cover the SPCO.
“I encourage Brunei to also revoke the other harsh punishments under the SPCO, including amputation and flogging.”
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