New York Times: Brunei Says It Won’t Execute Gays After Protests of Stoning Law
“Brunei said on Sunday it would not carry out executions by stoning for people convicted of adultery and gay sex, following widespread international protest over the brutality of such penalties. Critics of the country’s newly enacted Islamic laws said several other harsh punishments remain on the books, including whipping and amputation, and they have called for continued opposition until the laws are completely revised…” (Ramzy, 5/6).

Washington Post: Brunei backs away from death by stoning under Islamic law
“…The United Nations called the laws draconian, and the move prompted calls for a boycott of Brunei-controlled hotels from Hollywood celebrities including George Clooney and Ellen DeGeneres. Western governments had been quietly lobbying Brunei to refrain from implementing the laws, which they said would complicate trade deals with the oil-rich sultanate, and they have urged Brunei to uphold international human rights standards…” (Mahtani, 5/6).

Additional coverage of Brunei’s newly enacted laws is available from BBC News, CNN, Reuters, and TIME.