Singapore Minister of Law, K Shanmugam has called on the parliament to take a decisive stance on repealing the colonial-era Penal Code section 337A which punishes men who have sex with other men.
During a parliamentary debate, The Minister said “the time has come for us to remove section 337A, It humiliates and hurts gay people” “Most gay people do not cause harm to others. They just want to live peacefully and quietly, and be accepted as part of society the same as any other Singaporean.”
They could be our family, friends, or colleagues, and they deserve dignity, respect, and acceptance, he continued.
“They do not deserve to be stigmatised because of their sexual orientation.” he continued.
The issue was first raised by Prime Minister Lee Hsein Loong who confirmed the government’s intention to repeal the act. This was discussed in parliament together with another bill to amend the Constitution to protect the definition of marriage.
Shanmugan said that compared to when the issue was debated in 2007, Singapore is at a stage where society can accept the repeal.
