Brunei backflips on same-sex death penalty following international backlash

Blonde and redhead woman wrapped in rainbow flag

After implementing strict anti-LGBTQI laws in April, the Sultan of Brunei has extended a moratorium on the death penalty for adultery and homosexuality, following humanitarian and celebrity backlash.

When Brunei, a nation on the island of Borneo, with a population of some 400,000 people, announced it would implement its strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia laws, punishing adultery and homosexuality with death by stoning, the country was met with international condemnation.

Among those opposing the laws were the United Nations and Amnesty International, with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet describing the revisions as enshrining in legislation “cruel and inhuman punishments that seriously breach international human rights law”.

Brunei has consistently defended its right to implement the Syariah Penal Code Order (SPCO), which also punishes theft with amputation and abortion with public flogging, with elements of the laws first adopted in 2014.

However, following the introduction of its latest roll-out of laws that were implemented on 3 April, and widespread criticism aimed at the country, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has since restrained his interpretation of the SPCO, with Reuters reporting the death penalty will not be imposed for homosexuality.

Reuters and The Guardian added that some crimes already command the death penalty in Brunei, including premeditated murder and drug trafficking; however, no executions have been carried out since 1957.

“I am aware that there are many questions and misperceptions with regard to the implementation of the SPCO,”the sultan said in a speech ahead of the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

“However, we believe that once these have been cleared, the merit of the law will be evident.

“As evident for more than two decades, we have practiced 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.”

Responses to the announcement have been positive, but many critics have urged caution and restraint in receiving the news.

Human Rights Watch deputy Asia director Phil Robertson tweeted the Sultan’s speech showed that the international campaign against Brunei was working, but “more pressure is needed”.

Tom Knight, a columnist for Gay Times Magazine, described it as “fantastic news”.

The announcement in April of the introduction of the SPCO prompted human rights agencies, celebrities and multinational companies to cut ties with Brunei and its state-owned assets.

George Clooney and Elton John were among the first to openly urge the international community to condemn the country led by Bolkiah – one of the wealthiest men in the world– by boycotting its state-owned accommodation.

The properties are owned by the Brunei Investment Agency, a state-backed property group owning nine luxury hotels across the globe.

Ellen DeGeneres later joined the fray in condemnation of Brunei, by urging her followers to boycott its state’s international accommodation, but went one further by publishing on social media a list of several international properties owned by Bolkiah.

Virgin Australia announced in April that it would end its staff leisure travel agreement with Royal Brunei Airlines, following harsh “penalties being introduced for activity that is legal and acceptable in Australia”.

STA Travel also joined the boycott, announcing last month that it would also no longer be working with Royal Brunei Airlines.

Latest News

  • Famil

TravHost launches expert hosting service to transform industry famils

TravHost offers a pioneering service bridging the gap between media professionals, travel agents and tourism organisations, addressing the demand for exceptional famil hosts. Founded by seasoned travel media professionals Fiona Harper and Carolyne Jasinski, TravHost is poised to revolutionise the way tourism organisations and travel companies approach famils. With decades of experience in tourism and […]

  • Tour Operators
  • Travel Agents

Book big and bag a spot of the TTC Tour Brand’s Top Achievers’ Famil

TTC Tour Brands’ Top Achievers Famil incentive is back, rewarding top-selling agents with the chance to embark on an unforgettable trip to a destination that remains a secret – for now. Agents who have sold any Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Costsaver and Contiki, from 1 December 2024 to 14 March 2025, go into the […]

  • Business Travel
  • Conferences

New Zealand International Convention Centre to open in February 2026

The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has announced it is opening its doors to New Zealand and world conferences and events in February 2026. The long-awaited NZICC is set to transform New Zealand’s conference and events industry, boosting visitation and the wider economy with its world-class facilities. Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, […]

  • Cruise
  • Events

AmaWaterways invites AU/NZ travel trade to An Evening with AmaWaterways events

AmaWaterways has announced the dates of its upcoming An Evening with AmaWaterways events for travel advisors, just over a year after it entered the Australian and New Zealand markets. Dedicated to travel advisors, the events will be held in six cities and will be hosted by AmaWaterways’ regional sales managers, plus feature a presentation from […]

  • Destinations
  • Tourism

Mooloolaba cruise season boosts Sunshine Coast tourism and trade

Mooloolaba is set to welcome a series of cruise ships through February and March 2025, significantly boosting local businesses and tourism to the Sunshine Coast. Their arrival is expected to create a vibrant atmosphere and provide a substantial economic uplift to the region. Viking Sky kicks off the season on Sunday 8 February, with 930 […]

  • Food & Beverage

Little Pete Brewing opens first of its kind open-air bar

Little Pete Brewing has opened a new open-air bar at 543 Step Rd, Langhorne Creek, a must-visit South Australia destination for a drink with a view. The first-of-its-kind open-air bar sits on 8ha, surrounded by vineyards and paddocks, with the Bremer River flowing nearby and framed by majestic ancient river red gums. “We always felt […]

  • Events

CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025

CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025 with a one-of-a-kind activation that showcases their world-class event capabilities to inspire event planners and decision-makers. CENTREPIECE is located in the heart of Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Victoria’s epicentre for live sports and entertainment and home to world-renowned venues including Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Park, […]

  • Destinations
  • Tourism

NYC Tourism + Conventions announces two exciting new events

NYC Tourism + Conventions has announced ‘NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025’ and ‘Value Family Activities’ events lined up for this year. NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025 2-for-1 ticket sales for this event have begun with this season’s program featuring 29 Off-Broadway performances, including 18 new participants. The twice-yearly program runs from 17 February through 9 March with […]

  • Events
  • Tourism

Jeju wins bid to host 2028 Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has successfully secured the 14th Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference (APMC14) for Jeju in November 2028. This was achieved in partnership with the Korean Society of Microscopy, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Jeju Convention Bureau, and Jeju International Convention Center. Korea was selected as the final host after strong competition at the 13th […]

  • Cruise
  • Food & Beverage

Oceania Cruises sets new standard for onboard dining: one chef for every 10 guests

Oceania Cruises, renowned for The Finest Cuisine at Sea, has set a new standard for onboard dining with an exquisite new menu evolution in The Grand Dining Room. Launching on its newest 1,200-guest ship, Allura, in July 2025, the reimagined menus introduce over 270 brand-new recipes, from curated Signature Eggs Benedict breakfast selection to a chic French […]