Following a global outrage, Brunei has defended its new penal code which imposes the penalty for gay sex and adultery, saying its more for 'prevention than to punish'. The United Nations said by implementing Islamic laws which punish sodomy, adultery and rape with the death penalty, including by stoning and theft by amputation, Brunei has violated human rights.

The Kingdom's second minister of foreign affairs, Erywan Yusof said the new laws were focused more on 'prevention than punishment'. In a letter to the UN, the minister said its aim is to educate, deter, rehabilitate and nurture than to punish. The offences do not apply to non-Muslims in Brunei, which has been at the centre of a media storm since it announced the new laws.

"The criminalization of adultery and sodomy is to safeguard the sanctity of family lineage and marriage of individual Muslims particularly women," the minister said. However, the UN General-Secretary Antonio Guterres said human rights are to be upheld in relation to every person everywhere without any kind of discrimination. "The legislation approved is in clear violation with the principles expressed."

Homesexuality was already illegal in monarchy ruled Bruei ruled for 51 years by Sultan Hassanal Boliah. The new penal code has a provision for capital punishment under which the culprits could be stonned to death. This law applies only to Muslims.