The introduction of Brunei’s new penal code that includes stoning as a punishment for sodomy has been delayed.

The new laws were planned to be implemented on April 22nd.

According to the Brunei Times, Jauyah Zaini, assistant director of Brunei’s Islamic Legal Unit has said that the implementation of the law was postponed “due to unavoidable circumstances”. The delay has allegedly been described by officials as temporary.

Same sex sexual activity is currently punishable by up to ten years imprisonment, but under the proposed penal code it could be punishable by stoning to death. Other acts that would be met by capital punishment include adultery, robbery, rape, extramarital sexual relations for Muslims, blasphemy, and declaring oneself a non-Muslim or prophet.

Last week, the United Nations expressed concerns over the policy.