Kiwis in Brunei 'strongly advised' to observe law which imposes death penalty for gay sex, adultery

April 4, 2019

The country has introduced stoning to death for gay sex or adultery.

New Zealanders travelling to Brunei are being strongly advised to observe local law and customs including Shariah law which from today makes gay sex and adultery punishable by stoning offenders to death.

New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade says it has updated its travel advice for Brunei to more explicitly outline the possible use of the death penalty and physical punishments for a range of offences.

New Zealanders in Brunei are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with and observe local law and customs, including Shariah law, the advice on MFAT's Safetravel website states. 

A non-exhaustive list of illegal activities under Shariah law includes blasphemy, sodomy, and adultery, it says.  Shariah law applies to Muslims, non-Muslims, and foreigners, and penalties can be very severe, including physical punishment and the death penalty, it adds.

Under the new laws, those found guilty of gay sex can be stoned to death or whipped. Adulterers risk death by stoning too, while thieves face amputation of a right hand on their first offence and a left foot on their second. 

New Zealanders travelling or living in Brunei are also being advised to have a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes provision for medical evacuation by air, and New Zealanders in Brunei are being encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The New Zealand High Commission Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is accredited to Brunei.

An MFAT spokesperson has told 1 NEWS New Zealand's total trade with Brunei in the year to June 2018 was $13 million, of which $12 million is exports.  This is primarily composed of dairy products and education.

"New Zealand has a broad relationship with Brunei which includes a modest trading relationship," the spokesperson said. 

"New Zealand also has a long-standing bilateral relationship with Brunei. This allows New Zealand and Brunei to discuss a wide range of issues, including the opportunity for New Zealand to raise concerns about human rights where necessary."

Celebrities including George Clooney, Elton John and Ellen DeGeneres have voiced opposition to the new laws in Brunei, and have rallied a boycott of nine hotels in the US and Europe with ties to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the new laws " fly in the face of our opposition to the death penalty and also our principles around inclusion and human rights".

- With The Associated Press

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