University revokes Sultan’s honour

The University of Aberdeen has revoked the Sultan of Brunei’s honorary degree in protest against the introduction of severe anti-lgbt laws.

It comes amid an international outcry over the nation’s new Islamic criminal laws punishing gay sex by stoning offenders to death.

University of Aberdeen principal George Boyne said the Sultan’s introduction of the new penal code is contrary to the institution’s “strong commitment to the value of diversity and inclusion”.

Professor Boyne said: “The sultan was awarded an honorary degree by our university in 1995. It was given at a time when the university had operated a successful exchange programme with its counter0 Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah was awarded the degree in 1995

part in Brunei, and when the sultan had encouraged links betweenbruneiandaberdeen due to his interest in our geology and petroleum engineering research.

“In light of recent developments, the university undertook a review of how this award now fits with our values.”