A controversial new penal code goes into effect in Brunei today that could see those convicted of sodomy stoned to death, and lesbians given 100 lashes or up to ten years in jail. “Brunei Darussalam is a sovereign Islamic and fully independent country, and like all other independent countries, enforces its own rule of laws,” the government said in a statement, according to Gay Times. “Brunei Darussalam has always been practicing a dual legal system, one that is based on the Syariah Law and the other on Common Law. In fully implementing the Syariah Penal Code Order 2013 from 3rd April 2019, both systems will continue to run in parallel to maintain peace and order and preserve religion, life, family and individuals regardless of gender, nationality, race and faith.” In late March, news broke that Brunei had covertly been putting in place the new penal code that would include heinous acts like amputation as a sentencing for theft. It would also update its existing laws against ...
Striving for a World without Capital Punishment