NZ 'deeply concerned' about Brunei death penalty for homosexuality, says Winston Peters

New Zealand has joined condemnation of a law in Brunei that will make adultery and homosexuality punishable by death by stoning.

The new law comes into effect on April 3, after a strict set of new laws was announced in 2014 by the country's sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah, who doubles as the prime minister.

Homosexuality has been illegal in Brunei since the country was a British colony, but the new law makes it not just illegal, but punishable by death.

Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters said it was "seriously regrettable that Brunei's decision contravenes a number of international norms on human rights.

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"New Zealand opposes any kind of discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation. We are also deeply concerned at the use of punishments that are cruel, inhuman or degrading," Peters said on Sunday.

"New Zealand is a long-standing opponent of the use of the death penalty in all cases and in all circumstances."

Oscar-winning actor George Clooney has called for an immediate boycott of all the Sultan of Brunei's hotels in protest of his nation's new anti-gay laws.

In online movie news site Deadline, Clooney suggested people should stay away from the Beverly Hills Hotel, the Hotel Bel-Air and other luxury resorts.

The Gravity star writes: "The date April 3rd has held a unique place in our history over the years. Theologians and astronomers will tell you that Christ was crucified on that date. On April 3rd Harry Truman signed the Marshall Plan, arguably the greatest postwar intervention in the history of man. The first portable cellphone call was made on April 3rd. Marlon Brando was born on that day.

"But this April 3rd will hold its own place in history. On this particular April 3rd the nation of Brunei will begin stoning and whipping to death any of its citizens that are proved to be gay. Let that sink in. In the onslaught of news where we see the world backsliding into authoritarianism this stands alone."

Pop star Elton John has backed Clooney's call to boycott the hotels.

Amnesty International said last week that to "legalise such cruel and inhuman penalties is appalling", while Austria's chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, said no-one should be criminalised based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Richard Grenell, US ambassador to Germany, said: "This new law violates the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It should be widely condemned."

- WIth agencies