Brunei Officially Bans Future Christmas Celebrations

[Deleted]

Relevant, considering the current season:

http://www.ibtimes.com/brunei-offici...ations-1777526

The nation of Brunei in Southeast Asia has officially banned all future public celebrations of Christmas, in accordance with its conservative Islamic law Shariah. The country’s Ministry of Religious Affairs said on Thursday that the ban was instituted for fear of Muslims being led "astray" by Christmas festivities. Last month, when local children and adults were seen wearing Santa outfits, officials reacted by asking businesses to take down Christmas decorations, but now the ministry has taken it to the level of an official ban on all such public festivities.

A spokesman referred to a Dec. 27 religious ministry statement published in the Brunei Times that said that public Christmas celebrations constituted “propagations of religions other than Islam,” which is not permitted in a state governed by Shariah. “Believers of other religions that live under the rule of an Islamic country – according to Islam – may practice their religion or celebrate their religious festivities among their community, with the condition that the celebrations are not disclosed or displayed publicly to Muslims,” said the statement.

The statement said that propagating non-Muslim religious symbols violates the country’s Section 207(1) of the penal code, which is punishable by a fine of up to BND$20,000 ($15,000), a five-year imprisonment, or both.

The conservative, oil-producing country sparked international outcry last April when it became the first Southeast Asian nation to adopt the Islamic law at a national level, raising fears that other neighboring countries with a significant Muslim population such as Indonesia or Malaysia might be tempted to follow Brunei’s lead as the region becomes increasingly conservative, according to Reuters. The law, rolled out in phases, will apply to both Muslims and non-Muslims in the country. Whipping and amputations as punishment for theft and alcohol consumption by Muslims will take effect in April this year, and the final phase of death penalties, including stoning, will be introduced next year for offences including adultery, sodomy and insulting the Koran or the Prophet Muhammad.

So shouldd "Brunei is Being Slaughtered Silently" become a thing by now?

[Hana Song]

That is ridiculous

[Warbrand]

That is ridiculous

Religion of Peace.

[Forgettable]

Hahahah wow. So backwards.

[Hana Song]

Religion of Peace.

What do you mean with that?

[timberx]

It's such a tiny tiny nation. Why should we care, honestly?

[Deleted]

#notallmuslimshatechristmasreallysomeofusareokayeventhoughstufflikethishappens

[Vanyali]

"BY SHUAN SIM @SHUANSIM ON 01/08/15 AT 10:18 AM"


We're pulling up a year-old article about a government with a state-run religion not allowing other religions to have public decorations now?


This is truly the War on Christmas.

[Warbrand]

What do you mean with that?

I am being sarcastic. Because look at all the "Islam" lead nations. Now the more moderate south asian ones are starting to stone and decapitate people.

Truly a religion of peace and tolerance.

[Warbrand]

"BY SHUAN SIM @SHUANSIM ON 01/08/15 AT 10:18 AM"


We're pulling up a year-old article about a government with a state-run religion not allowing other religions to have public decorations now?


This is truly the War on Christmas.

Pretty much, Islam wants to destroy the western ideal after all.

[Deleted]

There's a whole load of nonsense and outright inhumane shit that goes on in South-East Asian nations, this is about the tamest thing.

This feels a bit like reaching to try and indirectly religion bash.

Holy shit, you're being serious.

[Kontinuum]

In case you can't find Brunei:

[Flatspriest]

It is their country and we are not the world police so let them run their country the way that their people see fit.

[Deleted]

I'm sure their country will benefit greatly from Sharia law.

[Rixis]

http://www.mmo-champion.com/threads/...an-Arabic-word

[Slant]

It's still bullshit, though. But then, not everyone can be Europe.

[Noradin]

How is a "Santa costume" a religious symbol (of Christianity?)?
It is a symbol of capitalism at most.

[Deleted]

yep thats pretty sick.. religious opression in the 21st century.. long way to go ..

[Mellomania]

"BY SHUAN SIM @SHUANSIM ON 01/08/15 AT 10:18 AM"


We're pulling up a year-old article about a government with a state-run religion not allowing other religions to have public decorations now?


This is truly the War on Christmas.

You using normal or US date there? ( is it august or January?)

[Coronius]

But guys, it's the current year!