Why changing Singapore’s gay sex law is a double-edged sword for LGBTQ activists
At second glance, to many, it seemed like a double-edged sword.
This is because by ending this law, the Singapore government has reiterated its opposition to same-sex marriage.
Shortly after announcing that consensual same-sex sex would no longer be illegal, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in his annual rally speech in August that his government would « support and protect the institution of marriage » – defined in the Constitution as a union between a man and a woman. women.
The move appeared to be aimed at finding a compromise with conservative segments of society still staunchly opposed to same-sex marriage. Christianity is the third most popular religion in Singapore after Buddhism and Taoism, covering nearly one in five Singaporeans according to the 2020 census. Meanwhile, the city-state is home to various evangelical mega-churches that preach against homosexuality.
Lee noted in his speech that gay rights remain « a very sensitive and contentious issue » for conservatives around the country.
« What we are looking for is political accommodation, which balances the legitimate views and aspirations of Singaporeans, » Lee said.
« But everyone has to accept that no (one) group can do things their way, » he added.
For gay rights activists, the continued ban on same-sex marriage is a blow. At stake is more than the possibility of having a sham church wedding: in Singapore, registered married couples have access to housing subsidies and greater adoption rights than single people.
So while activists in the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) community hailed the repeal of the Gay Sex Act, many were also disappointed.
And that disappointment will only have been compounded with the suggestion by some of Lee’s ministers that not only will the government remain opposed to same-sex marriage, but it may even create additional hurdles to prevent people from seeking to challenge the laws. on marriage in court.
Justice Minister K Shanmugam said in an interview with state media that Parliament, rather than the courts, would have the power to define marriage, which would make it harder for people to legally challenge the policies of the government, as many homosexuals have attempted in recent years.
This has played well with some conservative religious groups.
“We are encouraged that the government has indicated that it will take action to protect the prevailing norms and values of Singaporean society on the issue of marriage,” Bishop Titus Chung said in a statement issued on behalf of the Diocese of Singapore.
The National Council of Churches, made up of several local churches and Christian organisations, said its members « appreciated more » the government’s assurance that it would « support and protect the institution of marriage ».
And the Catholic Church in Singapore also welcomed the government’s decision. “Otherwise we will be on a slippery road of no return, weakening the fabric of a strong society that is built on the foundation of holistic families and marriages,” he said.
Activists, meanwhile, signaled their disappointment.
« Any move by the government to introduce new legislation or constitutional amendments that flag LGBTQ+ people as unequal citizens is disappointing, » the more than 20 activist groups said in a joint statement.
« This is not the end »
Still, some activists say they prefer to focus on the positives, at least for now.
As Associate Law Professor Eugene Tan of the Singapore Management University put it: “Singapore has removed a law long seen as discriminatory against gay men.
In 2012, Gary Lim and Kenneth Chee, a gay couple who had been together for 15 years, challenged the Gay Sex Act in Singapore’s High Court.
“For us, the repeal (of the Gay Sex Act) was never tied to gay marriage,” the couple said. « We are both relieved that after ten years, (its abolition) has happened in our lifetime. »
However, they admit to being disappointed with the government’s comments on marriage.
« We expected this to happen, but it’s not the end, » Lim said. « The work doesn’t stop and with this repeal things will grow stronger and move forward as the queer community heals. »
« Getting married would be a nice recognition of our relationship and our love for each other, but at this point it’s not the most important thing, » Chee said.
« But this (puzzles me) how our marriage would affect straight marriages, I don’t understand, » he added.
« I hope conservatives can one day see that gay people are not dangerous or a threat to them or their children. They don’t have to fear us. »
« And maybe in the future we can all forge a relationship and work together. »
CNN’s Jan Camenzind Broomby contributed reporting for this article.
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