Singapore Is Overturning A Ban On Gay Sex But Same-Sex Marriage Will Still Be Illegal
Singapore’s government is striking down a colonial era law that made gay sex illegal, the prime minister said on Sunday Aug. 21.
Singapore’s government is striking down a colonial era law that made gay sex illegal, the prime minister said on Sunday Aug. 21.
Section 377A of the penal code was introduced in 1938 under British colonial rule and had criminalized sex between two consenting male adults.
Singapore is known for being conservative, but LGBTQ rights activists have been calling for the law to be repealed for perpetuating stigma and discrimination against gay people.
Under the law, any content that is seen as “promoting homosexuality” can also be banned from broadcasts in Singapore.
Prime minister Lee Hsien Loong said on national TV on Sunday that he believed Singapore was becoming more accepting of gay people.
“I believe this is the right thing to do, and something that most Singaporeans will accept,” he said. “This will bring the law into line with current social mores and I hope, provide some relief to gay Singaporeans.”
However, he added that same-sex marriage would remain illegal in the city state.
“Even as we repeal Section 377A, we will uphold and safeguard the institution of marriage,” he said. “Under the law, only marriages between one man and one woman are recognized in Singapore.”
In February, two men photobombed a live broadcast in Singapore with a kiss, becoming what may be the first gay kiss broadcast in Singapore.
The clip was later removed.
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This Gay Couple Photobombed Live TV With A Kiss And Defied The Ban On LGBT Content In Singapore
