Brunei’s Sultan Backs Away From Sharia, But Not Very Far

Although Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei was forced on May 6 by international outrage to back away from strict Islamic law that included stoning to death for gay sex, adultery and rape, the fact is that he hasn’t backed away very far.

Hassanal declared full implementation of Sharia law on April 3, complete with hudud or Islamic punishments as a deathbe…