Brunei adopts Sharia law

The Sultan of Brunei announced that the country would begin adopting Sharia, or Islamic law, on May 1, 2014. Two-thirds of Brunei’s population are Malay Muslims, but there are also significant Christian and Buddhist populations. According to the new laws, Sharia “shall apply to both Muslims and non-Muslims, except where expressly prohibited.” 

The new laws will be meted out over three years, beginning with fines and prison sentences for lesser violations. In 2015, crimes such as theft would result in amputations. In 2016, certain crimes, including homosexuality, would result in execution by stoning.

Brunei’s previous legal system was based on British law. Until now, Islamic courts were limited to family and religious matters.