In a letter to the European Parliament, the sultanate of Brunei defended the death penalty for homosexual men by stoning in early April.
As the Guardian reports, a four-page letter to parliamentarians said that convictions would be rare as two men of "high moral rank and piety" were needed as witnesses. The Serene Conservative called for "tolerance, respect and understanding" from the EU for the country's desire to preserve its traditional values.
"Very high standard of proof"
The new laws came into force on 3 April in Brunei and caused international outrage - among human rights activists, politicians and celebrities: While men in same-sex sex threatens the death penalty, women must expect a maximum of 40 sticks or 10 years in prison.
According to the Guardian, the letter stated that the outcry was due to a misunderstanding. That adultery and sodomy would be criminalized, serve to protect the sanctity of family and marriage. Convictions are also linked to "a very high standard of proof", which leaves "no doubt at all".
On Thursday, the European Parliament called on Brunei to abolish the death penalty immediately. Overall, the criminal law should be repealed on the basis of the Islamic Sharia. At the same time, it called on the European Union diplomatic service to investigate sanctions against Brunei.