Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced on Sunday during a televised National Day Rally speech that his government would repeal the law that makes adult consensual sex between men a criminal offense. While Singapore's Court of Appeal ruled in February 2022 that it couldn't be used to prosecute consenting adults in private, it has perpetuated stigma and discrimination. The Prime Minister's announcement marks a promising move towards reforming LGBTQ+ laws. Achieving true equality and ending discrimination requires continued efforts in Singapore.
Lee said in his speech Sunday that he wants gay people to “live their own lives, participate in our community and contribute fully to Singapore." Lee said he wanted to “repeal Section 377A in a controlled, carefully considered way,” explaining that the government will also put forward constitutional amendments that would prevent future legal challenges to the current definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman. This move reaffirms the tenet that every individual deserves respect, protection, and a life without fear and persecution.
Source: Pearson, Elaine. Human Rights Watch. "Singapore to Decriminalize Gay Sex". https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/08/22/singapore-decriminalize-gay-sex. 22/08/22. [Date accessed: 24/08/22].
Edited by Aditya Vinjimoor.
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