Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Brunei: Criminalisation of consensual same-sex relationships is unacceptable
The Australian Prime Minister condemned the death penalty invoked in the Commonwealth country
By Steve Brown
Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the government will continue to oppose Brunei’s criminalisation of same-sex relationships.
Last week, the Sultan of Brunei invoked a death penalty law for gay sex which will see gay men and women being whipped and stoned to death.
Despite many other world leaders condemning the actions of the Commonwealth country, Australia’s Prime Minister remained silent.
However, LGBTQ rights advocate Rodney Croome sent a letter to Scott Morrison calling for a response and now the Prime Minister has condemned Brunei’s brutal and inhumane law, according to QN News.
In his response, Morrison said: “The government’s view is clear: criminalisation of consensual same-sex relationships is unacceptable.
“We believe in equal human rights for LGBTQ persons and an end to violence and discrimination against LGBTQ across the region and globally.
“The Australian Government is deeply concerned about the new measures under Brunei’s Sharia Penal Code.
“More broadly, we are strongly opposed to corporal and capital punishments in all circumstances and for all people, including in Brunei.
“When the first stage of the Syariah Penal Code was implemented in 2014, Australia urged Brunei to ensure that implementation was in accordance with its international human rights obligations. We are deeply disappointed that Brunei has proceeded with these measures.
“We have conveyed our strong opposition to the criminalisation of same-sex relationship under the Syariah Penal Code to the government of Brunei and will continue to do so.”
Croome welcomed Morrison’s comments and said: “When the Australian Prime Minister speaks out, and when there is unanimous condemnation of Brunei’s brutal laws across the political aisle, it sends a very strong message to the Brunei Government.
“My hope is that there will be continued condemnation of the repressive Brunei laws by the Australian Government, regardless of who wins the May 18 election.
“If Brunei doesn’t change course, the Australian Government should cease diplomatic ties with Brunei, cease using services owned by the Brunei Government and move to have it suspended from the Commonwealth.”