-Brunei: Wear a Santa Hat and Go to Jail?
by Dr. D ~ December 22nd, 2015
(Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan of Brunei)
In the Muslim nation of Brunei it is against the law to publically celebrate Christmas in any way. Those caught could receive 5 years in prison. Here’s the story from the Blaze:
Citizens of the oil-rich nation of Brunei could face up to five years in prison if they engage in public celebrations of Christmas, such as wearing Santa hats and sending holiday greetings, British and Australian media reported. …
Under the directive, Christians are allowed to celebrate the holiday but only in private. …
“During Christmas celebrations, Muslims following that religion’s acts — such as using their religious symbols like cross, lighting candles, making Christmas trees and singing religious songs, sending Christmas greetings, using signs praising the religion, putting up decorations or creating sounds and doing anything that amounts to respecting their religion — are against Islamic faith,” the Muslim leaders said.
Response: This is really nothing new. Any public displays and celebrations of Christmas in most Muslim nations are against the law or at least subject to local persecution.
This should remind us to treasure our religious freedom in America and the West where everyone can celebrate religious traditions openly without worrying about persecution or jail. *Top