California, US - Stars of Hollywood are boycotting one of the area's most famous hotels because of a harsh Islamic penal code introduced by Brunei's government. Comedians Jay Leno and Ellen DeGeneres are among the celebrities supporting the boycott against the Beverly Hills Hotel and other hotels owned by Brunei.
After a heated debate, the city council unanimously voted to condemn Brunei. Brunei's leader, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, announced the first phase of the new penalties last week. They will eventually include death by stoning for homosexuality and adultery. The mayor of Beverly Hills, Lili Bosse, had urged the city council to adopt a resolution condemning Brunei's new laws and force the country to sell the hotel and others it owns through the Dorchester Collection chain.
The council unanimously passed a resolution condemning the sultanate but the meeting was divided on whether to boycott the hotel. Many disagreed with Mayor Bosse's decision to no longer attend functions there. Virgin group founder Richard Branson tweeted on Saturday that his employees and family would not stay at the luxury hotel chain "until the Sultan abides by basic human rights".
Several organisations have cancelled events at the hotel, long a gathering place for Hollywood celebrities, including the Motion Picture & Television Fund's annual Night Before the Oscars charity event and the Feminist Majority Foundation's annual Global Women's Rights Awards.
During a small protest in front of the hotel on Monday, Mr Leno said: "I'd like to think that all people are basically good and when they realise this is going on, hopefully they'll do something about it." (FA)