Will Mike Pompeo listen?

Dear friends, Many All Out members reached out to us last week, asking how they can help LGBT+ people in Brunei. The mere thought that innocent people could be sentenced to death by stoning just because of who they are or who they love – as they might soon under Brunei's new laws – is simply horrifying. We're working directly with activists from Brunei and they say that asking foreign governments to speak out against these laws is one of the best ways to help lift up their fight. So far, the U.S. government has done nothing more than issue a statement. It will take much more to convince the Brunei government to pull the plug on their barbaric laws. We need the United States to dial up their pressure and ask Brunei's government to revoke the laws and respect the rights of its citizens NOW. Thousands of All Out members have already signed the petition but we'll need many more to join us to convince U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to do the right thing. Can you please sign, too? – Matt Previous email: -------------------

You may have already heard that this week, Brunei – a small and wealthy country in Southeast Asia – has introduced a brutal set of laws that says people should be stoned to death for "crimes" like being gay, adultery, and blasphemy. It doesn't stop there. Brunei's new criminal code determines: death by stoning for abortion, amputation of limbs for stealing, and 40 lashes with a whip for lesbian sex. These barbaric measures are a massive attack on human rights in Brunei. Anyone can become a target. The leader of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, has been ignoring global calls to revoke these inhumane laws, so we need to dial up the pressure. All U.S. officials have done so far is to issue a press release. This is not enough. Join me in rallying a global outcry to ask the U.S. government to take a stand and urge Brunei's government to revoke the laws and respect the rights of its citizens. Our pressure could help prevent innocent Bruneians from being stoned to death. Luc, take action now and ask the U.S. government to speak out for the rights of Brunei's citizens. These laws have a particularly chilling effect on the LGBT+ community in a country that has been described as the worst place to be gay in Southeast Asia. Being gay is already punishable in Brunei by a jail term of up to 10 years. Many LGBT+ citizens have left the country, fearing persecution and death. Those who have remained now live in constant fear. We know the Brunei government is on the wrong side of history. Activists around the world have been fighting for decades to build a world where nobody gets punished because of who they are or who they love. And we're winning – like in India where the Supreme Court decriminalized homosexuality last September. Help fight back against this attack on the human rights of ALL Brunei people and sign the petition now. Thanks for going All Out Sarah Mitchell,  Director of Supporter Engagement SOURCES:  ● Brunei stoning punishment for gay sex and adultery takes effect despite international outcry – New York Times, 3 April, 2019  ● Brunei's LGBT community flees 'inhumane' new stoning laws – CNN, 3 April, 2019 Help fuel global campaigns for LGBT+ equality. Become an Equality Champion with a small, monthly gift! DONATE TODAY

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