Christmas Celebrations Banned in Brunei

The sultanate of Brunei has banned public celebrations of Christmas, the birthday anniversary of Jesus Christ, and those who violate the law may be jailed for up to 5 years.

According to a report covered by Kayhan in Farsi, Christians are allowed to celebrate in their own homes, but a new law makes public displays—including any Christmas decorations—punishable by up to five years in prison.

The ban was demanded by Islamic leaders in the oil-rich former British colony. They feared that public signs of the Christmas celebration could tempt Muslims to imitate Christian practices.

Officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs have also reportedly visited local businesses to ensure they are not displaying Christmas decorations, including Santa hats and banners with Christmas greetings.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who has ruled the former British colony for nearly 50 years, introduced the ban on Christmas in 2014, the same year Brunei adopted a stricter penal code, including punishments such as stoning and amputation.

IFP Editorial Staff

The IFP Editorial Staff is composed of dozens of skilled journalists, news-writers, and analysts whose works are edited and published by experienced editors specialized in Iran News. The editor of each IFP Service is responsible for the report published by the Iran Front Page (IFP) news website, and can be contacted through the ways mentioned in the "IFP Editorial Staff" section.

Recent Posts

Russian rocket launches Iranian satellites into orbit

A Russian rocket carrying a payload of satellites into orbit – including two from Iran…

26 mins ago

Iran FM: Tehran reserves right to respond to territorial integrity breaches

Iran's foreign minister says the Islamic Republic reserves the right to respond to any violation…

55 mins ago

Iranian president to fly to Baku to attend UN Climate Change Conference

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is going to Visit the Republic of Azerbaijan next week to…

12 hours ago

Tehran denies hiring Iranians in Israel to kill Zionist officials

Iran’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations has flat-out rejected the Israeli regime’s allegation that…

14 hours ago

Pezeshkian says Iran’s missiles aimed at deterring aggressors, not unleashing war

Iran’s missiles are aimed at deterring those seeking to potentially target the country, and are…

14 hours ago

All hospitals in northern Gaza out of service: Report

Gaza’s Government Media Office has announced that all hospitals in northern Gaza are out of…

14 hours ago