Brunei bans Christmas celebrations
Tuesday, 23 Dec, 2015
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There will be no Christmas cheer on public display in Brunei this year.
The oil rich state which borders Malaysian Borneo has banned residents from celebrating Christmas publically, with the threat of up to five years in prison for offenders.
The Scrooge like measures extends to even wearing a Santa hat which could be considered a crime under laws to ‘promote the Muslim faith.’
About 20% of the population are non-Muslims who are still permitted to celebrate the holidays normally but only within their own communities and any planned celebrations outside the home must get the approval of authorities.
Muslims found lighting candles, putting up Christmas trees, singing carols or wearing Santa Claus outfits could face a hefty fine or jail time.
The strict measures were first introduced last Christmas as the country brought in a stricter system of Sharia law aimed at preserving Muslim beliefs.
"These enforcement measures are intended to control the act of celebrating Christmas excessively and openly, which could damage the beliefs of the Muslim community," said a statement by the country’s Ministry of Religious Affairs.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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