ABERDEEN University has revoked an honorary degree awarded to the Sultan of Brunei after his country made gay sex an offence punishable by death.
The university initially said Hassanal Bolkiah's 1995 honour was under review after the strict new Islamic laws came into force earlier this month.
George Boyne, the university's principal, said: "There has been an international controversy since the Sultan of Brunei, in his role as Head of State, introduced severely punitive anti-LGBT laws.
"The honorary degree has been revoked following a vote by Senate, our academic body, which approved a recommendation from our Honorary Degrees Committee.
"While it is deeply regrettable to be in this position, which is unprecedented for the University of Aberdeen, I fully support the decision.
"The University of Aberdeen is proud of our foundational purpose of being open to all and dedicated to the pursuit of truth in the service of others. The introduction by the Sultan of the new Penal Code is contrary to our strong commitment to the value of diversity and inclusion."
He said the award had been given at a time when the university had operated a successful exchange programme with its counterpart in Brunei, and when the Sultan had encouraged links between Brunei and Aberdeen.
Homosexuality was already illegal in Brunei and punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Brunei, a nation state on the island of Borneo, is ruled by Sultan Hassanal and has grown rich on oil and gas exports.
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