Singapore to Repeal Law Banning Same-Sex Sexual Activity... Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage Remains Distant

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced the complete repeal of the law banning sexual relations between people of the same sex, which was enacted during the British colonial era. This decision was based on the judgment that Singapore's younger generation is becoming more accepting of homosexuality. However, he plans not to allow same-sex marriage and has expressed his intention to amend the constitution for this purpose, drawing criticism that this represents only a half-hearted progress toward equality.

According to CNBC on the 21st (local time), Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stated in his National Day speech, "We will repeal Section 377A of the Penal Code, which criminalizes sexual relations between men," adding, "The youth of Singaporean society are increasingly embracing homosexuals."

Section 377A of the Penal Code, enacted during the British colonial era, prohibits obscene acts between men in private or public spaces. Violating this law can result in a maximum imprisonment of two years. However, there have been no convictions for sexual relations between men for decades, and the law has been regarded as effectively obsolete.

LGBT groups welcomed Prime Minister Lee's decision. They had long advocated for the repeal of Section 377A due to its social symbolism but faced setbacks due to opposition from various religious groups. Singapore's LGBT organization 'Ready for Repose' stated, "Section 377A has contributed to stigmatizing sexual minorities as criminals and branding them as second-class citizens."

On the other hand, some critics argue that repealing this law is insufficient to alleviate discrimination against sexual minorities. This is because Prime Minister Lee reiterated that there are no plans to legalize same-sex marriage. In his speech, he said, "I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman, children should be raised in such families, and traditional families should form the basic unit of society," indicating that the existing marriage system will not be changed. According to The Washington Post, the Singapore government plans to legally restrict marriage to opposite-sex couples and intends to amend the constitution to uphold this regulation against legal challenges.

Human rights activists in Singapore expressed concern, saying, "The government's stance still implies that sexual minority citizens are not equal," and "By maintaining marriage regulations limited to men and women, the government is rather entrenching discrimination against sexual minorities."

Prime Minister Lee's opposition to legalizing homosexuality appears to be largely influenced by the backlash from various religious groups. Singapore is a multi-ethnic country with a population of 5.5 million, of which 16% are Muslims. Buddhist and Christian groups follow. Religious organizations, including the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore and Christian groups, have strongly demanded that the government maintain marriage regulations.

Regarding the repeal of the law and the decision to oppose the legalization of homosexuality, Prime Minister Lee said, "This is a compromise that allows us to maintain our current family and social norms," adding, "Since Singapore is largely a traditional society with conservative social values, even if Section 377A is repealed, we will maintain and protect the existing marriage system."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.