Singapore repeals gay sex law, but bars same-gender marriages

SINGAPORE, 29 Nov 2022:

Singapore’s parliament today voted to repeal a law that criminalised gay sex – quashing the so-called discriminatory colonial-era legislation that stigmatised sexual minorities.

Though the parliament approved the repealing of 377A, it separately voted for a constitutional amendment that does not allow same-sex marriage – upholding the traditional definition of marriage as between a man and a woman.

In parliament, 93 lawmakers voted in favour of repealing the law while three voted against it.

The constitutional amendment received 85 votes in favour.

Prime minister Lee Hsien Loong indicated in August the decriminalisation of homosexual sex, saying it was time to get rid of the law.

The now-quashed legislation, in force since 1938, entailed a two-year jail term for men who “commit acts of gross indecency” with another man.

Although not applied in years, its repeal is considered the end of the criminalisation of homosexuality in Singapore.

The voting came after two days of an intense parliamentary debate.

Some 40 lawmakers spoke during the debate, with several expressing concern about preserving the definition of the traditional family and the government’s social welfare scheme on the conservative and semi-autocratic island.

Currently, the policies favour marriages and families access to government-built flats in which around 80% of the population lives.

Single persons living on their own can purchase subsidised flats from 35 years old and must choose from a narrower range of flat types.

Unmarried persons, even if they have children, are treated as singles.

Assisted reproductive techniques and adoption are also allowed for married couples in Singapore.

It is a setback for the LGTBI community designed to appease the island’s influential conservative and religious community, with a 33% Buddhist population, about 20% Christian and 14% Muslim.

“Just as we have been very clear about repealing 377A, we are equally firm in protecting heterosexual marriage as a key institution in our society,” said justice minister K Shanmugan.

The withdrawal comes after India took a similar step in 2018, even as the law remains in place in other former British colonies like neighbouring Malaysia and Myanmar.

– EFE