Brunei passed stringent new Islamic rules in April 2019 that made adultery and anal sex offences punishable by death by stoning.
The new regulations also applied to a number of other offenses, such as amputation for stealing.
The move sparked international condemnation.
“You wake up and realise that your neighbours, your family, or even that nice old lady that sells prawn fritters by the side of the road don’t think you’re human or are okay with stoning,” one Bruneian gay man said.
Initially, homosexuality was already illegal in Brunei and punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
The new law mostly applies to Muslims, including children who have reached puberty, though some aspects will apply to non-Muslims.
Under the new laws, individuals accused of certain acts will be convicted if they confess or if there are witnesses present.
Offences such as rape, adultery, sodomy, robbery, and insult or defamation of the Prophet Muhammad will carry the maximum penalty of death.
Lesbian sex carries a different penalty of 40 strokes of the cane and/or a maximum of 10 years in jail.
The punishment for theft is amputation.
Those who “persuade, tell, or encourage “Muslim children under the age of 18 to accept the teachings of religions other than Islam” are liable to a fine or jail.
Individuals who have not reached puberty but are convicted of certain offences may instead be subjected to whipping.
The country first introduced Sharia law in 2014, despite widespread condemnation, giving it a dual legal system with both Sharia and Common Law.
The sultan had said then that the new penal code would come into full force over several years.
The first phase, which covered crimes punishable by prison sentences and fines, was implemented in 2014.
READ ALSO: Why Denmark limits parents to select baby names from only 7,000 pre-approved names
Brunei had delayed introducing the final two phases, which cover crimes punishable by amputation and stoning.
Do you have a story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through [email protected]
Recommended for you
