Aberdeen University has revoked the Sultan of Brunei’s honorary degree over his country’s controversial new laws that include punishing gay sex and adultery by stoning offenders to death.
The university has rescinded Hassanal Bolkiah’s LLD (Doctor of Laws), which was awarded in 1995, following a review by its honorary degrees committee after the legislation provoked international outrage.
In an email to student and staff, the university’s principal and vice-chancellor George 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 counterpart in Brunei, and when the Sultan had encouraged links between Brunei and Aberdeen 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.
“Today I can inform you that the honorary degree has been revoked following a vote by Senate, our academic body, which approved a recommendation from our honorary degrees committee.
“Our internal process also included an opportunity for the Sultan to respond to the recommendation.
“The response from the Sultan was considered by the Senate and the honorary degrees committee.
“While it is deeply regrettable to be in this position, which is unprecedented for the University of Aberdeen, I fully support the decision.
“The University of Aberdeen is proud of our foundational purpose of being open to all and dedicated to the pursuit of truth in the service of others.
“The introduction by the Sultan of the new Penal Code is contrary to our strong commitment to the value of diversity and inclusion.”
Sultan Hassanal instituted the code in 2014 to increase the influence of Islam in oil-rich Brunei. Around two-thirds of its 430,000 population are Muslim.
Even before 2014, homosexuality was already punishable in Brunei by a jail term of up to ten years.
Aberdeen South MP and former Aberdeen University student Ross Thomson said he agreed with the decision.
He added: “I am convinced the university has made the right decision to strip the Sultan of this prestigious honour.
“It obviously follows a thoughtful and considered approach by everyone involved.
“It sends a clear message that cruel and barbaric acts will not be tolerated in the international community.”