Singapore no longer criminalizes sex between men

Parliament has repealed the long-controversial paragraph banning sexual relations between men. At the same time, however, the path to marriage for all was blocked by another constitutional amendment.

It was a sense of relief that gripped Benjamin Xue. “When I saw the news on the front page that 377A was finally lifted, emotions hit me like a wave. I texted one of my friends and I think we both cried,” the activist told AFP .

377A was the article criminalizing sex between men in Singapore. Two years in prison threatened. It was introduced in the British colonial era. But even if the law had not been enforced for a long time: it discriminated against and stigmatized the LGBTQ community. “I think the whole point of repeal is to remove the guilt and shame that we’ve been going through all these years,” says Xue, who is a co-founder of the LGBTQ youth support group.

“Sexual orientation is a personal matter”

Singapore’s parliament repealed the long-controversial paragraph on Tuesday after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced the move in August. “Singaporeans still have different views on whether homosexuality is right or wrong. But most people accept that a person’s sexual orientation and behavior is a private and personal matter and that sex between men should not be a criminal offense,” he said Lee.

Continued reservations among the population

The student Isaac Ong believes that simply removing a paragraph doesn’t really change the way everyone thinks in Singapore. According to the 18-year-old, religious reservations in particular are still preventing real acceptance among the population. “In general I’m glad things are getting better, but I think cultural stigma and especially the conflict between religion and the gay community is also something that needs to be addressed.”

No marriage for everyone

Paragraph 377A was repealed – but at the same time the path to marriage for everyone was blocked by another constitutional amendment. Xue still hopes that this won’t be the end of development. “I think that because of the constitutional changes, many people think: This is one step forward, two steps back. But it may give us more time to reach the hearts and minds of ordinary Singaporeans for our issues and for our lives.”