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British base in homophobic Brunei criticised
Brunei Flag

BRITAIN’S military presence in the south-east Asian nation of Brunei is facing fresh criticism from campaigners after the country’s autocratic ruler passed a new law making adultery and homosexuality punishable by death.

The group ForcesWatch reacted: “Given the British military’s claims to be progressive on LGBT+ will they be taking this issue up with Brunei’s Sandhurst-trained sultan?

“We have personnel permanently based in the country ... withdrawing would be a powerful bargaining chip, unless [the Ministry of Defence is] happy to prop up a brutal autocracy?”

  • Singapore – “Male homosexual acts are illegal in Singapore”
  • Oman – “Homosexuality is illegal”
  • Bahrain – “Some reported cases of individuals punished for same-sexual activity”
  • UAE – “All sex outside marriage is illegal”
  • Qatar – “Homosexual behaviour is illegal in Qatar”
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