British colonial law: Singapore wants to decriminalize sex between men

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LGBTQ demonstration in Singapore: No more criminalization, but no prospect of marriage rights either

Photo: How Hwee Young / picture alliance / dpa

Singapore will decriminalize sex between men.

This was announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in a speech on Sunday.

However, he does not plan to change the legal definition of marriage: it remains reserved for couples consisting of a man and a woman.

LGBTQ action groups welcomed Lee's decision to repeal Section 377A of the Criminal Code.

The law, which dates back to colonial times, banned sex between men.

However, the activists fear that excluding same-sex marriages will perpetuate the discrimination.

In his annual National Day speech, Lee said there has been a growing acceptance of gays in Singaporean society, particularly among the city-state's younger population.

"I think we're doing the right thing and it's something that most Singaporeans have come to accept." The exact date when Section 377A will be repealed has not yet been determined.

»Change is actually possible«

Singapore's decision follows other Asian countries that have recently taken steps to address discrimination against the LGBTQ community.

In 2018, India's Supreme Court overturned a colonial-era ban on same-sex sex.

Thailand is also approaching legalization.

The law currently in force in Singapore provides for prison sentences of up to two years for violations of the ban on sex between men.

However, there is currently no active criminal prosecution.

There has been no known conviction for consensual sex between adult men for decades.

The law makes no mention of women or gender diversity.

LGBTQ groups had tried to bring down the controversial law through legal channels, but without success.

In a joint statement, they said they were "relieved" at Lee's announcement.

Without the law that encouraged bullying and harassment, a healing process can now begin.

It shows: »Change is actually possible.«

"Extremely regrettable decision"

But the groups warned the government against giving in to demands by religious conservatives that the definition of marriage be enshrined in the constitution.

This would be a sign that LGBTQ citizens are not equal.

Religious groups, including Muslims, Catholics and some Protestants, remain critical of abolishing the law, Lee admitted.

An alliance of over 80 churches expressed their strong opposition to the government decision on Sunday.

"It is an extremely regrettable decision that will have a profound impact on the culture in which our children and future generations of Singaporeans will live," the religious officials said in a statement.

Lee underscored his continued support for the traditional notion of marriage: "We believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman, that children should be raised in such families, and that the traditional family should be a cornerstone of society. « Efforts will be made to defend this definition against constitutional complaints in court, said Lee.

This will help enforce the removal of Section 377A in a controlled manner.

feb/AP/Reuters