Singapore’s 377A Repeal: A Mixed Reactions from Communities
When Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong pulled the curtain on the long‑standing Section 377A of the Penal Code during the National Day Rally, the air was electric. The law, which once criminalised sex between men, is now on its way out – but not without a few extra twists to keep the traditional marriage intact.
Why the Change Matters
For the LGBTQ community, the repeal feels like a breath of fresh air and a vote of confidence that state‑sanctioned discrimination finally has no place in Singapore. Yet they’re also wary of the next steps that may follow – that could paint them as “unequal citizens” if new legislation or constitutional amendments take shape.
What the Government is Keeping Tight
Mr Lee announced not only the repeal but also a planned amendment to the Constitution to reinforce that the definition of marriage remains “between a man and a woman.” This is meant to keep the “senior‑council” stance on marriage alive, even as the old law dissolves.
Reactions from Different Sides
LGBTQ Groups – Same breath, different plans
Twenty‑two organisations, from Pink Dot SG to Action for AIDS Singapore, issued a joint statement that’s both celebratory and cautious:
- “The repeal of 377A is a first step toward full equality,” they said.
- They plan to address discrimination “at home, in schools, workplaces, and the housing and healthcare system.”
- They cautioned that any future law or constitutional change “will undermine the secular character of our Constitution” and “tie the hands of future Parliaments.”
Religious Communities – Respecting Tradition, Safeguarding Freedom
The National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) welcomed protection for marriage but worried that the repeal could spark a push for civil unions. They noted:
- They want assurance that churches can freely teach against gay sexual acts.
- They see the repeal as potentially erasing the “moral signifier” that underpins society’s values around marriage.
Other religious voices echoed similar sentiments:
- The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore urged a constitutional definition of marriage before repealing the law, fearing a slippery slope that undermines family foundations.
- The Singapore Buddhist Federation stressed that while traditional family values must be preserved, they shouldn’t be forced upon everyone outright.
- Islamic leaders echoed the need to maintain core religious values even as laws evolve.
- Some evangelical faith leaders lamented the repeal as an “extremely regrettable decision” and called for a lift on parliamentary party whips.
Business – A Call for Progressiveness
ASME’s president Kurt Wee praised the repeal as a sign that businesses should treat sexual orientation with the same fairness as race and gender. “A progressive stance keeps us ahead of social norms,” he declared.
Political Voices – Balancing the Scales
Progress Singapore Party’s Leong Mun Wai noted that while the government strike a balance, the finer details of upcoming legislation must still be scrutinised carefully.
Bottom Line
Singapore’s legal landscape is shifting, but it’s still a delicate dance. The repeal of Section 377A marks progress, yet the conversation about marriage definition, civil unions, and future legislation remains lively. Every community has its own tune to play, but at the core is the question: How do we honour tradition and fairness at the same time?
