RESOLUTION
Whereas, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers is committed to maintaining and strengthening the Rule of Law and administration of justice globally; and
Whereas, the Academy espouses the ideal of worldwide protection of human rights through fair and just legal systems; and
Whereas, the Academy finds cruel punishments abhorrent and contrary to human rights; and
Whereas, the Academy rejects hate and prejudice and believes there is no justification for the exercise of it, even if deemed as directed by religion or political persuasion; and
Whereas, the government of Brunei instituted a new penal code in 2014 and recently enacted the final sections of it; and
Whereas, the new penal code sections include punishing LGBT relations by stoning, theft by amputation and other draconian measures some of which may even apply to children;
Now, therefore, be it resolved that:
The International Academy of Trial Lawyers profoundly condemns and rejects the actions of the government of Brunei as barbaric, contrary to human rights and established international laws, and antithetical to overall human decency.
Approved this 11th day of April, 2019 by the Board of Directors.