The Brunei authorities are strongly urged to reconsider their decision to implement a new penal code from Wednesday 3 April, the New Zealand Law Society says.

The new code imposes the death penalty for a number of offences, including death by stoning for adultery and gay sex. Public flogging is also introduced as punishment for abortion, as well as amputation for theft.

“There has been justified condemnation worldwide for Brunei’s stated decision to introduce a number of inhumane laws,” the convenor of the Law Society’s Rule of Law Committee, Austin Forbes QC, says.

“This would be a serious setback for human rights for the people of Brunei. We join with the United Nations, many countries, organisations, communities and individuals in totally opposing and condemning these cruel and unjust laws.”