Winston Peters criticises Brunei for imposing strict Sharia law

Foreign Minister and current acting Prime Minister Winston Peters says it is "seriously regrettable that Brunei's decision contravenes a number of international norms on human rights". Photo / Alan Gibson

New Zealand has added its voice to growing international condemnation of Brunei's intention to implement strict Islamic law that would allow homosexuals and adulterers to be stoned to death.

"It is seriously regrettable that Brunei's decision contravenes a number of international norms on human rights," said Foreign Minister Winston Peters, who is also acting Prime Minister while Jacinda Ardern is in China.

"New Zealand opposes any kind of discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation. We are also deeply concerned at the use of punishments that are cruel, inhuman or degrading.

"New Zealand is a long-standing opponent of the use of the death penalty in all cases and in all circumstances."

Brunei has defended its right to implement the Sharia laws, which it started doing in 2014.

The laws will be fully implemented from April 3 and will allow sodomy, adultery and rape to be punishable by the death penalty, and theft to be punishable by amputation.

"The (Sharia) Law, apart from criminalising and deterring acts that are against the teachings of Islam, also aims to educate, respect and protect the legitimate rights of all individuals, society or nationality of any faiths and race," said a statement from the office of Brunei Prime Minister Hassanal Bolkiah, who is also the sultan.

"Brunei Darussalam is a sovereign Islamic and fully independent country and, like all other independent countries, enforces its own rule of law," the statement said.

Some aspects of the laws will apply to non-Muslims.

The move has drawn widespread criticism, including from politicians in Europe and the United States.

Sebastian Kurz, chancellor for Austria, tweeted."No one should be criminalised based on their sexual orientation or gender identity,"

CNN reported that the US State Department said it was "concerned" by Brunei's decision.

"Some of the punishments in the law appear inconsistent with international human rights obligations. Governments have an obligation to ensure that all people, including LGBTI people, can freely enjoy the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms to which they are entitled," the department said in a statement.

"We strongly oppose human rights violations and abuses against LGBTI persons, including violence, the criminalization of LGBTI status or conduct, and serious forms of discrimination."

Penny Mordaunt, UK secretary of state for international development, said no one should face the death penalty because of who they love.

"Brunei's decision is barbaric and the UK stands with the LGBT+ community and those who defend their rights," Mordaunt said on Twitter.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said on Twitter: "Hard to comprehend what could be driving such a barbaric move which stands in stark opposition to fundamental #humanrights principles."

Oscar-winning actor George Clooney has called for a boycott of luxury hotels owned by The Brunei Investment Company, such as the Beverly Hills Hotel, the Dorchester in London and the Plaza Athenee in Paris.