Perils of a Reluctant Chauvinist: Repeal Penal Code s377A

"377A. Any male person who, in public or private, commits, or abets the commission of, or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any male person of, any act of gross indecency with another male person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 2 years." [Source: The Singapore Penal Code (Cap. 224_ section 377A]

Just because homosexuality does not square with my religious beliefs and I do not subscribe to the "alternative ideology", it does not mean I think gays ought to be legally criminal. Nor would I ever accept that my homosexual friends are technically considered outlaws by the state by virtue of this section.

We strive towards being what is called an "open and inclusive" society, are we actually marginalising people who we deem as being off-the-mainstream in the process? The following is a paragraph from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's inauguration speech:

26 We will continue to expand the space which Singaporeans have to live, to laugh, to grow and to be ourselves. Our people should feel free to express diverse views, pursue unconventional ideas, or simply be different. We should have the confidence to engage in robust debate, so as [to] understand our problems, conceive fresh solutions, and open up new spaces. We should recognise many paths of success, and many ways to be Singaporean. We must give people a second chance, for those who have tasted failure may be the wiser and stronger among us. Ours must be an open and inclusive Singapore.

If you believe that Singapore should repeal this archaic law against homosexuals, do take a moment to sign the online petition here: Repeal Section 377A.