Posted: | April 2, 2019 09:07 AM |
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From: | Representative Kevin J. Boyle |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Brunei Human Rights Violations |
On April 3, 2019, a new law in the Nation of Brunei imposes death by stoning or whipping for any individual found guilty of homosexual sex, sodomy, adultery or rape, and amputation of a hand or foot for theft. This new law is cruel and inhumane and violates international human rights laws. Divesting from companies that do business with nations that promote obscene human rights abuses is a morally responsible action. Companies associated with countries that commit human rights abuses create risk and undermine the value of the Commonwealth's investments. Act 44 of 2010, known as the Protecting Pennsylvania's Investments Act, required divestment of Commonwealth fund investments in Iran or Sudan, or in any company from Iran or Sudan. My legislation would amend this law to require the Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS), the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS), the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System (PMRS) and the State Treasurer, to divest investments in companies doing business with the Nation of Brunei. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB1209