Summary:
Brunei’s sultan is getting ready to implement a form of
Islamic law that carries a high price for crime. Under this version of Shariah, theft may be
punished by amputation, and adultery may be punished by stoning, to name a few
examples. While generally the people
stay relatively quiet in regard to their government, many people are speaking
out, especially through the internet.
About a third of the Brunei population does not follow Islam, and many
are concerned about the laws. There is
some question from international human rights groups as to the laws. Many find the new set of laws inhumane and
want the sultan not to instigate the new rules.
The Sultan, however, intends to move forward with the new laws, saying
that people outside of Brunei should respect the way they are trying to live
and govern themselves. The new
punishments will not be carried out until years from now, according to
officials. While neighboring countries
also have laws based on Islamic teachings, most aren't nearly as strict as the
proposed laws in Brunei
Analysis:
There has always been a sociological struggle between government
and religion. In particular, when harsh
punishments and laws are based on religious teachings, many people get
upset. The fact that these laws could
advocate the forced amputation of a hand for theft or stoning for adultery has
involved many who believe in global human rights. We can see a similar battle occurring in America
in the debate over gay rights, where many laws are being passed against gay
marriage, often fueled by religious beliefs.
The main difference here is that the punishments to these crimes are
violent, and could easily lead to death.
This creates a sort of division, though many may be too intimidated to
speak out about it. This article also
shows the globalization of our world, as concerned citizens of Brunei are
taking to the internet to voice their concern.
http://news.yahoo.com/brunei-sultan-urges-country-support-islamic-law-104418862.html
No comments:
Post a Comment