Brunei Bans Christmas Celebrations, Imposes 5-Year Jail Term

Brunei bans Christmas

The celebration of Christmas and all associated acts: wearing Santa hats, putting up Christmas trees in public trees and more have been banned in Brunei.

In a new rule announced by the predominantly-Islamic country, anyone seen celebrating or organizing Christmas celebrations will face up to 5 years in jail.

“These enforcement measures are … intended to control the act of celebrating Christmas excessively and openly, which could damage the aqidah (beliefs) of the Muslim community,” the Ministry of Religious Affairs said in a statement.

Lighting candles, putting up Christmas trees, singing religious songs, sending Christmas greetings and putting up decorations are all among the acts that have been prohibited, although non-Muslims can still celebrate Christmas in the privacy of their homes.