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Singapore repeals gay sex ban, but will not legalize same-sex marriage

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On Tuesday, Singapore’s government repealed their gay sex ban. The law, which is formally called Section 377A, penalized sex between men with a maximum of two years in prison.

On the same day, Singapore’s government also amended their constitution to block any future court challenges that in other countries have led to the legalisation of same-sex marriage.

The government has defended its decision to amend the constitution by saying decisions on such matters should not be dealt with by the courts. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his successor also ruled out any changes to the current legal definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman.

“We will try and maintain a balance…to uphold a stable society with traditional, heterosexual family values, but with space for homosexuals to live their lives and contribute to society,” Minister K. Shanmugam said in parliament this week, according to Advocate.

Parliament voted 93 in favour of the repeal, with three against and no absentees.

“I am happy that it had finally happened,” a member of the LGBTQ community told AFP. The man was identified only as Justin.

“One less reason for me to hide my true self, because of some archaic law. But this is just the first step to remove the social and religious stigma that has been upon the community because of outdated beliefs, and media censorship.”

ARTICLE: PAUL MURDOCH

MANAGING EDITOR: CARSON CHOATE

PHOTO CREDITS: CNN

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Paul Murdoch

Paul, 37, is from Scotland in the UK, but currently lives and works in Bangkok. Paul has worked in different industries such as telemarketing, retail, hospitality, farming, insurance, and teaching, where he works now. He teaches at an all-girls High School in Bangkok. “It’s a lot of work, but I love my job.” Paul has an active interest in politics. His reason for writing for FBA is to offer people the facts and allow them to make up their own minds. Whilst he believes opinion columns have their place, it is also important that people can have accurate news with no bias.

Paul, 37, is from Scotland in the UK, but currently lives and works in Bangkok. Paul has worked in different industries such as telemarketing, retail, hospitality, farming, insurance, and teaching, where he works now. He teaches at an all-girls High School in Bangkok. “It’s a lot of work, but I love my job.” Paul has an active interest in politics. His reason for writing for FBA is to offer people the facts and allow them to make up their own minds. Whilst he believes opinion columns have their place, it is also important that people can have accurate news with no bias.

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