Durbin, Young, Senators Introduce Resolution Condemning Brunei For Barbaric Laws

Statement

U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Todd Young (R-IN), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Ben Cardin (D-MD) today introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning the government of Brunei for recently imposing laws that include, among other troubling things, death by stoning for adultery and homosexual relations. Their resolution also calls for the repeal of these barbaric laws and visa bans for anyone involved in their implementation.

"These recently imposed laws by unelected Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah are both barbaric and draconian," Durbin said. "This resolution sends a strong, bipartisan message that these actions will not stand in the U.S. Senate and do not reflect our values as Americans."

"The laws imposed by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah are truly horrific and violate the most basic human rights. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in condemnation of these barbaric new laws," said Young.

"While I am pleased that Brunei has announced they do not intend to implement these penalties," said Menendez, "I nevertheless believe that it is critical that we send a clear message that these cruel and inhuman laws run counter to international standards for human rights, and are unacceptable for members of the international community."

"I am deeply disturbed by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's implementation of these backwards laws which clearly violate international human rights standards. We must not remain silent in the face of this injustice, and I urge the United States Senate to pass this resolution signaling a strong rebuke these actions immediately," said Van Hollen.