LGBT rights in Brunei
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Brunei face severe challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female expressions of homosexuality are illegal in Brunei. Sexual activity between men is de jure liable to capital punishment, with de facto lesser penalties of imprisonment and whipping applied; sex between women is punishable by caning or imprisonment. The sultanate applied a moratorium on the death penalty in 2019, which was still in effect as at May 2023. The moratorium could be revoked at any time.
LGBT rights in Brunei | |
|---|---|
Location in Brunei | |
| Status | Illegal since 1906 (as a British Protectorate) |
| Penalty |
|
| Gender identity |
|
| Military | No |
| Discrimination protections | No protections |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | No recognition of same-sex unions |
| Adoption | No |
OutRight Action International has described Brunei as "the country that has the most worrisome state of rights for LGBT people in Southeast Asia". LGBT Bruneians feel the need to remain very discreet about their sexual orientation.
The Brunei Project, established in 2015, seeks to promote human rights, including religious freedom, free speech, and LGBT rights in Brunei through social media. The group organised a private community event in 2016, celebrating Brunei's first "International Day Against Homophobia" event.