The Limited Times

Now you can see non-English news...

Singapore wants to decriminalize sex between men: "It's just a small step"

2022-08-22T18:13:54.021Z


Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announces that he will abolish a colonial-era law. The jubilation is great at first - but the discrimination does not end there, say gay men.


AreaRead the video transcript expand here

This is what it can look like when an old colonial law is to be abolished.

In the city-state of Singapore, sex between men is being decriminalized.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced on Sunday in a speech on the island nation's national day that he would repeal the paragraph.

Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister Singapore


“For these reasons, the government will repeal Article 377A and decriminalize sex between men.

I think it's the right thing to do - and most Singaporeans will now accept it."

While various queer groups have welcomed Prime Minister Lee's decision, they warn against further discrimination.

Because: There is no plan to open marriage for homosexual couples for the time being.

Andre Ling, Singaporean


“I don't think it makes much of a difference.

It's just a small step.

Many think it's a big step.

But that's not really a help for us with children.«

Andre Ling, who is from Singapore, is married to Australian Cameron Sutherland.

However, the marriage is not recognized in Singapore – and that will probably remain the case for the time being.

Andre Ling, Singaporean


»The decision is good for singles and gay couples.

But if you want to get married, start a family and be treated equally in Singapore – well, that's not going to happen.«

It is still unclear when exactly the regulation will be repealed.

Under the law, violators could be punished with up to two years in prison.

Only men were affected by the law.

However, there have not been any known convictions for decades.

Source: spiegel

All news articles on 2022-08-22

You may like

Trends 24h

Latest

© Communities 2019 - Privacy

The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.
The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.