February 13, 2025 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Beverly Hills Council to Vote on Condemning Government of Brunei

Brunei
The Beverly Hills City Council is considering a resolution to condemn the government of Brunei in light of its policy against homosexuality. The ownership group of The Beverly Hills Hotel is allegedly affiliated with the government of Brunei. (Thinkstock)

In light of recent revelations of a formal policy held by the government of Brunei imposing harsh penalties on homosexuality, including death by stoning, the Beverly Hills City Council will vote on May 6 to condemn the Southeast Asian Islamic monarchy and encourage it to divest its interests in the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Beverly Hills mayor Lili Bosse requested the resolution be brought in front of the council.

“The government of Brunei, led by Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei, has recently implemented extremely harsh laws that, in phases, will impose penalties including death by stoning for homosexuality and adultery,” the proposed resolution reads. “The laws would also allow flogging and severing limbs for theft and other offenses.”

According to City staff, the Beverly Hills City Council previously adopted a similar resolution in 2010 to condemn the government of Iran when a woman there was sentenced to death after being accused of adultery. The woman’s sentence was later reduced to 10 years, according to reports. City staff stated the reduction in sentencing “was attributed to international pressure.”

Brunei’s reported policy imposing penalties on homosexuality came to light when it was revealed the Dorchester Group, which owns the Beverly Hills Hotel, is affiliated with the monarchy located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia.

City staff stated “several prominent individuals” have already boycotted all hotels owned by The Dorchester Group. Further, the United Nations “condemned the actions of the government of Brunei and urged Brunei to revisit its penal code,” according to City staff.

“The City’s actions are intended to contribute to the local and international outrage and help reverse policies and laws in Brunei that do not uphold international human rights,” the proposed resolution reads.

Bosse’s proposed resolution did try to acknowledge Brunei’s policy against homosexuals was not a reflection of those who worked at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

“While recognizing that the Dorchester Collection … is affiliated with the government of Brunei, the City of Beverly Hills has a productive relationship with the hotel that goes back more than 100 years,” the proposed resolution states. “The laws of Brunei do not affect the operation of the Beverly Hills Hotel and are no reflection on the hotel’s management and staff.”

Brunei, which took its current form in 1984 after declaring independence from the British, is a small sovereign nation bordered by Malaysia and the South China Sea. More than 400,000 people live in Brunei, which, according to Forbes, is one of the richest nations in the world.

The five-member Beverly Hills City Council will vote on the proposed resolution at its May 6 meeting, which begins at 7 p.m.

Related Posts

Beloved Baldwin Hills Family-Owned Restaurant Post & Beam to Close After 13 Years

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Community Icon Shuts Doors as Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza Redevelopment  In yet another loss for the Los Angeles culinary community,...

Santa Monica Hotel Event Space Offers Affordability, Accessibility

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Elevate Your Events with Versatile Venues and Exceptional Service Coastal stays and eclectic event spaces don’t have to be expensive....

Flour Pizzeria & Cafe to Bring Brooklyn-Style Pizza to Brentwood This Week

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Family-Owned Favorite from the Palisades to Open on San Vicente  Flour Pizzeria & Cafe, a restaurant from Pacific Palisades run...

(Video) The Willows Students Bring a 50-Foot Dragon to Life Through Art and Teamwork

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Kristy Acero, The Willows DK-4th Grade Art teacher, led her students in a large-scale, collaborative project, with each grade creating...

ART& 2025: NeueHouse Unveils Inspiring Lineup Celebrating Feminine Leadership

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Four-Day Event in Venice Beach Explores Creativity, Activism, and Cultural Impact NeueHouse has unveiled the schedule for ART& 2025, a...

LA Attorney Who Represented Rodney King Sentenced to Prison for Tax Evasion Scheme

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Milton C. Grimes Ordered To Serve Time in Prison and Pay Restitution Milton C. Grimes, a longtime Los Angeles attorney,...

Canned Tuna Pulled from Shelves Over Botulism Contamination Risk

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

El Segundo Seafood Company Issues Voluntary Recall Through FDA Tri-Union Seafoods has issued a voluntary recall of certain canned tuna...

Powerful Storm to Bring Heavy Rains, Possible Debris Flow to Los Angeles

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Officials Warn of Risks, Urge Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather A Pacific storm system is expected to bring widespread...

Retailers Impose Egg Purchase Restrictions as Supply Chain Disruptions Cause Concern

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Egg Limits Are Back – What’s Causing the Shortage? Retailers across the United States, including Costco and Trader Joe’s, have...

Donate Blood, Save Lives: Culver City Hosts Valentine’s Week Drive

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Urgent Need for Donors as Red Cross Faces Critical Blood Shortages As Valentine’s Day approaches, the Culver City Police Department...

New Bill Targets Crime in Disaster Zones – Here’s What You Need to Know

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Lawmakers Push for Tougher Penalties To Protect Vulnerable Communities California lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at cracking down...

What about are you protected from future wildfires?

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the recent wildfires and Santa Ana windstorms in Southern California. We...

Actor Will Arnett Lists Stunning Beverly Hills-Area Home for $22.5 Million

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Comedy Star’s Modern Farmhouse Features Custom Podcast Studio Actor and comedian Will Arnett is selling his modern farmhouse-style home near...

Shore Hotel Remains Sustainability Leader

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

By Susan Payne On track to open its new coastal-inspired restaurant, Shore Hotel has excited new offerings and initiatives this...

Worker Injured in HVAC Explosion at Culver City Mall’s Roof

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Explosion on Mall Rooftop Leaves One Worker Hospitalized A worker sustained severe injuries in a workplace accident at the Culver...