Letter to the Hon. Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State - Maloney Leads Coalition Demanding State Department Address Barbaric Anti-Gay Law in Brunei

Letter

Secretary Mike Pompeo,

We write to draw your attention to a new law under Brunei's Sharia Penal Code that will come into effect on April 3, 2019. We request that the State Department and the Trump Administration take a stronger role in condemning these actions and take every necessary step in protecting and promoting LGBTQ civil rights on the world stage.

Reports indicate that the new law would allow for punishments such as stoning and amputation, even for children. This new law would allow for capital punishment for same-sex relations and adultery. It would not only expose many people to cruel and inhumane punishment, but it also blatantly disregards rights to freedom of expression and religion.

The United States cannot stand by as the Sultanate of Brunei threatens human rights. We therefore urge you to publicly speak out against their denigration of the LGBT community and their flagrant disregard for human rights. We must ensure that the U.S. remains committed to working with countries to protect all of their citizens, no matter whom they are or whom they love. We look forward to hearing from you regarding the Administration's plan to address this growing concern in Brunei.