By Elijah Alavzo – Co-Technology Editor
On April 3rd, in the small South East Asian country of Brunei, a law was enacted allowing sexual intercouse between homosexuals and adultery to be punishable with death by stoning. Also implemented was the harsh rule that thieves are subjected to amputation of limbs. Back in 2014, the country had adopted Sharia Law (Islamic Law) in their legal system that outlined corporal and capital punishment for breaking the rules, incorporating traditional Islamic customs and beliefs into their own.
Living in California, the ideology of such punishments to those of differing sexual orientation, which has practically been normalized in the Western world, is inconceivable. Though it is a cultural and religious attitude toward the laws enacted, mandating the punishments act as if the country is taking a step backward from civilized thinking.
Including stoning, flogging, and amputations as consequences of committing crimes, some of which shouldn’t be considered illegal, is unfamiliar within American society. These punishments are unjust, cruel, and inhumane. A lot of people would suspect this behavior to be applicable in Babylon under the Code of Hammurabi, but it is disgusting to see these acts in modern times. Such barbaric and savage punishments should be left in the past.
Reported by the Cable News Network (CNN) in their 2014 article, Brunei adopts sharia law amid international outcry, Brunei’s prime minister, Hassanal Bolkiah, had said that his government “does not expect other people to accept and agree with it, but that it would suffice if they just respect the nation in the same way that it also respects them.”
No respect should be given to Brunei as they refuse to acknowledge that human rights are being threatened. Since the country cannot fathom the idea that being homosexual or of other sexual orientation isn’t taboo and that the way they handle crime is a bit absurd, they shouldn’t expect any mutual respect.
There is already an outcry against Brunei’s decision to let the savage punishments fall through. Celebrity George Clooney called for a boycott on hotels that connect to the country to shame them for their sadistic punishments. He also promoted the decrease in travel to the country.
Since the situation stems from Islam, it should be recognized that Islam is the second most populous religion in the entire world—having 1.8 billion followers. Nevertheless, the religion is interpreted differently throughout every society.
Carson High School senior, Saabir Bholat, expressed, “I accept everyone. No matter the ethnicity, race, or sexual orientation. They are still people. What [Brunei] is enforcing is harsh and uncivilized.”
The conservative thinking Brunei imposes suggests Islam is not a place, but rather a group of humans that are unwilling to accept people for people. There is no room to grow and understand what’s happening in the world as people cling on to old customs and traditions.
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