Meanwhile in Brunei

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Brunei hadn't carried an execution since 1957 (while still a British protectorate), and similar measures were adopted into the law sometime ago, so until they actually go forward with executing somebody there's little practical difference.

Speaking as somebody who knows little about Brunei, what are the odds it's not just such talk as before?

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Sad to see countries not only not go forwards, but actively go backwards on the issue

What's wrong with you Brunei?

I dunno, maybe that Islam thing?

If anything Brunei is an exception from the rule, standing in contrast with Indonesia and Malaysia (which, I believe, either repealed or is about to repeal death penalty altogether).

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A gay acquaintance of mine from Brunei who is studying abroad is rather distressed by this. According to him, there's a fair bit of apprehension and uncertainty on if the law will only apply to Muslims or to the entire populace.

I heard the Sultan tried to 'reassure' everybody by saying it would be for Muslims only, yeah, they'll appreciate the special treatment

The point would be to know why does this pops up all of a sudden

Hassanal Bolkiah also banned public celebrations of Christmas in 2015, including wearing hats or clothes that resemble Santa Claus. The ban affects only local Muslims.[9] Christians are still allowed to celebrate Christmas.

Interesting.

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I'd suggest homosexual Muslims in Brunei just say they ain't Muslim no more and be ok, but apparently apostasy is a reason for the state to murder you too...

Catch 22.

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Sadly no joke: HateAnal Bolkiah is a recipient of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. ☹️ The Federal President's Office, however, doesn't see any reason to divest the sultan of the decoration, which was bestowed upon him on March 30, 1998, by archconservative President Roman Herzog on the occasion of an official visit. 🤬

The whole idea of giving decorations of merit to foreign leaders like they were pieces of candy has always been ridiculous.

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I wonder if the Sultan is actually determined to go through with this all the way, given his business interests abroad can suffer from the fallout.

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As several state are planning on decriminalizing homosexuality, the sultan isn't going to distance himself from his plans.

in April, Sultan Hassanal wrote a four-page letter to the European parliament, defending his decision to start imposing death by stoning as a punishment for gay sex, claiming convictions will be rare as it requires two men of “high moral standing and piety” to be witnesses. He asked the MEPs for “tolerance, respect and understanding” with regard to the country’s desire to preserve its traditional values and “family lineage”. Poor guy!

"Respect my right to kill people, you intolerant bastards!"

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I honestly wonder what is the Sultan's motivation, aside of being a known psychopath. It's not like he's under any real pressure to enact this.