Singapore repeals law that criminalized gay sex

Singapore, Nov 29 (EFE).- Singapore’s parliament on Tuesday voted to repeal a law that criminalized gay sex, quashing the so-called discriminatory colonial-era legislation that stigmatized 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.

Ninety-three lawmakers voted in favor of repealing the law.

Three voted against it.

The constitutional amendment received 85 votes in favor.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong indicated in August the decriminalization of homo 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 criminalization 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 favor marriages and families access to government-built flats in which around 80 percent of the population lives.

Single persons living on their own can purchase subsidized 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 percent Buddhist population, about 20 percent Christian and 14 percent 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 Singaporean 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 neighboring Malaysia and Myanmar. EFE

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