Brunei Darussalam is one week away from enacting a new penal code that takes its cues from Islamic Sharia law.  It calls for death by stoning as the punishment for same-sex relations, and sets the death penalty for numerous offenses including robbery, adultery, and insulting the prophet Mohammed.

“Application of the death penalty for such a broad range of offenses contravenes international law,” said Rupert Colville, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).  “We urge the Government to delay the entry into force of the revised penal code and to conduct a comprehensive review ensuring its compliance with international human rights standards.”

Brunei reportedly has not carried out an execution since 1957.  But now, other offenses are eligible for capital punishment including “rape, adultery, sodomy, extramarital sexual relations for Muslims.”

Brunei is the latest country to go against the tide of reason and equality in Europe, North America, and South America.  Just two months ago, Uganda’s president signed a bill that calls for first-time offenders of same-sex acts to be sentenced to 14 years in jail, and "repeat offenders" could receive life in prison.