Singapore is starting to move past its colonial influences.
Just this year Singapore has finally repealed section 377A which prohibited sex between two consenting men, a law that was inherited from British rule but still stood strong for decades after their independence in the 1960s. Most of the laws inherited from British rule were imported from India as Singapore was administered by the British from Calcutta (Kolkata) and such laws were never made to reflect Singapore’s needs or identity. Between 1988 and 2007, 17 individuals were convicted based on section 377A, and whilst this section was never severely enforced, its existence still had a tremendous effect on the LGBTQ+ community of Singapore. Section 377 had its slight legal implications but most of its effects were felt within society, with many individuals feeling afraid or unwelcome to open up about their true identity or sexual orientation regardless of the crime being about sexual intercourse. This law made it difficult for change and discourse in regard to the LGBTQ+ community within Singapore and even with events like Pink Dot being held once a year to celebrate them, section 377A still loomed in the minds of many.
Therefore, the repeal of such a law is an enormous victory for the LGBTQ+ community of Singapore as they can see efforts of the state in regard to working on inclusiveness and acknowledging the existence of the community. Over the years individuals have become more open and feel more supported by other Singaporeans but there is still much to be done. The issue of same-sex marriage has still not been explored by the government or parliament and this closes many doors for the community. Recently, Singapore amended its constitution to prevent court challenges which in other countries have led towards the legalization of same-sex marriage such as Taiwan, Thailand, and India which are recognizing more rights for the LGBTQ+ community. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Home Affairs is now considering the possibility of individuals convicted under section 377A to have their criminal records rendered spent. The repeal of section 377A is a great step for Singapore in terms of LGBTQ+ rights but actions such as the amendment of the constitution raise questions about the real opinion of the government on the community in Singapore and the extent towards which they may exercise their rights.
Written by Iona Steger.(Photo by?cnn.com?).
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