FAQ
I don’t know much about Section 377A. Where can I find out more background information?
You can visit several websites that have substantial information on the topic.
Check out the websites listed in our Links section.
Of note you can visit:
- The Singapore dossier at SodomyLaws.com
- The History Of Sodomy Law, Yawning Bread
Why is this action happening now?
Amendments to the Penal Code are now being proposed in Parliament. The reason for this is because law makers are keen to bring the Code “up-to-date” with the current social mores and trends.
Don’t the proposed amendments call from the repeal of Section 377A?
No. There is no mention of s377A in the amendments. So if this amendment bill becomes law, then sex between men will remain illegal in Singapore.
What are some of the other proposed amendments to the Penal Code?
There are numerous changes have been tabled. One of the more significant changes is in reference to the legality of oral and anal sex in Singapore. Under the current Penal Code these sexual acts are illegal for all individuals.
However the proposed amendment seeks to decriminalise oral and anal sex for consenting heterosexual adults ONLY.
The creation of one law for heterosexuals and one law for men who have sex with men is clearly discriminatory.
Read the full Amendment Bill at the website of the Parliament Of Singapore
You can read an assessment of the Amendment Bill from the Law Society Of Singapore. [Follow the links to “Executive Summary of Council’s Report on
the Proposed Amendments to the Penal Code”]
Why is the second reading of the Amendment Bill important?
A bill needs to be read three times in Parliament and then requires the President’s assent before it can be made law.
At the First Reading the bill is introduced but not read out in full.
At the Second Reading, there is an opportunity for discussion and debate. After this debate, the bill may be amended. Alternatively, the bill may be referred to a Select Committee for further scrutiny and public consultation"
Once the bill reaches its Third Reading, no major amendments may be made. There will be little debate.
Hence it is critical that our lawmakers are presented with substantial evidence of public concern (in the form letters and/or petitions) to warrant further discussion in a Select Committee.
Isn’t this issue only relevant to gay men?
No. This issue is relevant to all Singaporeans who believe that all people should be governed by one law that applies to all individuals regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.
This issue is relevant to all people who believe that a democratically elected government is there to protect minorities from the “tyranny” of the majority with the view of promoting a pluralist, diverse and progressive society.
And this issue is relevant to all people who believe that privacy between consenting adults should be respected as long as no one is harmed.
