Brunei's LGBT community is in shock and fear of living under the new Islamic law. Homosexuality was outlawed before the introduction of the new code and it carried a punishment of up to 10 years in prison.
Khairul, a young gay man spoke to CNN over the phone on Tuesday saying that, "the new laws were inhumane." "It's a very aggressive punishment. It's not something that a human should suffer just because of being a homosexual," he added.
CNN interviewed a few others for this story and they asked that their real identities be hidden over concerns for their safety and that of their families.
Transgender woman Zain said she'd been living in fear since 2013 when the sultan first announced the country would introduce Sharia law. "Everyone is affected. It's just going to be a horrible life living there, even if you're not LGBT," said Zain, who is now seeking asylum in Canada. "Women especially would be at a big disadvantage there."
This law has caught the attention of big celebrities, who are calling for a boycott of the hotels owned by the Sultan.
Also read: Death by stone if you are gay and have sex: Brunei Law
Khairul, a young gay man spoke to CNN over the phone on Tuesday saying that, "the new laws were inhumane." "It's a very aggressive punishment. It's not something that a human should suffer just because of being a homosexual," he added.
CNN interviewed a few others for this story and they asked that their real identities be hidden over concerns for their safety and that of their families.
Transgender woman Zain said she'd been living in fear since 2013 when the sultan first announced the country would introduce Sharia law. "Everyone is affected. It's just going to be a horrible life living there, even if you're not LGBT," said Zain, who is now seeking asylum in Canada. "Women especially would be at a big disadvantage there."
This law has caught the attention of big celebrities, who are calling for a boycott of the hotels owned by the Sultan.
Also read: Death by stone if you are gay and have sex: Brunei Law
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