Brunei stoning laws dropped in wake of boycott
The Sultan of Brunei backed down over plans to impose draconian new laws against LGBT people on the weekend following a global public backlash.
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Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah said the kingdom will not impose death by stoning laws for people convicted for having same-sex relations, saying that he would extend a moratorium on capital punishment.
In a televised speech before the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, the country’s ruler said: “I am aware that there are many questions and misperceptions with regard to the implementation of the Syariah Penal Code Order (SPCO). However, we believe that once these have been cleared, the merit of the law will be evident.”
In recent months a swathe of celebrities and businesses have publicly boycotted assets owned by the Sultan of Brunei, including the iconic high end Dorchester Collection hotels.
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Firms such as JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank have called for people to stop using Brunei-owned hotels following the proposed laws.
Earlier this year the property industry’s “Movers & Shakers” event, which was set to have a panel that included Berkeley boss Tony Pidgley, was switched away from the Brunei-owned Dorchester following the public criticism.
The Association of Real Estate Funds also said that it too as looking for alternative arrangements for its annual dinner at The Dorchester Hotel, saying that "investors expect everyone – irrespective of their backgrounds, identity or beliefs – to be treated with respect and dignity".