Despite widespread condemnation, Brunei is implementing harsh new criminal laws that make gay sex and adultery punishable by stoning to death.
The new laws, which are set to begin Wednesday, also order the amputation of hands or feet for crimes like theft.
According to the BBC, the sultan of the small Muslim-majority kingdom, Hassanal Bolkiah, called for “stronger” Islamic teachings at a public address on Wednesday.
{mosads}”I want to see Islamic teachings in this country grow stronger,” he continued.
The stricter laws were first announced in the nation in 2013. The new laws make Brunei the first country in East Asia to adopt Sharia law, despite backlash from international human rights.
According to the BBC, the first phase of the set of laws, which was related to crimes that were punishable by fines or imprisonment, was implemented in 2014.
The sultan said that the remaining two phases of the set of measures, which related to crimes that would be punishable by stoning and amputation, would come into full implementation in the following years, but the latter phases were delayed amid international condemnation.
The government released a statement on Saturday saying that the Sharia penal code would come into full force on Wednesday.
Homosexuality is already punishable by up to 10 years in prison in the Southeast Asian nation. However, under the new measures, those found guilty could see penalties including whipping and stoning.
A few other countries, mostly in the Middle East, also adhere to sharia law, according to The Guardian.