- LGBTQ+ organisations in Singapore express relief as Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announces government’s intention to repeal Section 377A, the law that criminalises sex between men
- Road to repeal has been paved by countless individuals, both LGBTQ+ and allies, who have made significant contributions and sacrifices for a more inclusive Singapore
- While more needs to be done for full LGBTQ+ equality – especially with regard to tackling discrimination at home, at work and in schools – repeal is an opportunity for Singapore to come together for healing and dialogue
As organisations supporting equality and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community in Singapore, we are relieved by the government’s intention to repeal Section 377A, which criminalises sex between men. In his National Day Rally speech, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that “I believe this is the right thing to do, and something that most Singaporeans will now accept. This will bring the law into line with current social mores, and I hope, provide some relief to gay Singaporeans”. The repeal of Section 377A, while long overdue, is a significant milestone and a powerful statement that state-sanctioned discrimination has no place in Singapore.
The demise of Section 377A represents something different to each of us. For everyone who has experienced the kinds of bullying, rejection and harassment enabled by this law, repeal finally enables us to begin the process of healing. For those that long for a more equal and inclusive Singapore, repeal signifies that change is indeed possible. And for our friends and family who have stood by us, repeal is proof and encouragement that your allyship makes a difference.
However, repeal has arrived far too late for many. To the past victims of Section 377A and its cascading effects, including those who have faced threats of police entrapment, raids and criminal charges, repeal will never be able to fully right the historic wrongs that you faced. To others whom we have lost along the way, we have not forgotten the heavy toll that this law has exacted on you and your loved ones.
The repeal of Section 377A would not have been possible without generations of activists, community groups and allies. Their advocacy, which often came at great personal cost, not only paved the way for policy and societal change, but kept hope alive for many. We thank them for their unwavering bravery and determination.
Equality under the Constitution
In his speech, Prime Minister Lee also announced that changes would be made to the Constitution to prevent future legal challenges to the existing definition of marriage on the basis of inequality.
Any move by the government to introduce further legislation or constitutional amendments that signal LGBTQ+ people as unequal citizens is disappointing. We urge the government not to heed recent calls from religious conservatives to enshrine the definition of marriage into the Constitution. Such a decision will undermine the secular character of our Constitution, codify further discrimination into supreme law, and tie the hands of future Parliaments.
The Way Forward
The repeal of Section 377A is the first step on a long road towards full equality for LGBTQ+ people in Singapore. Our immediate priorities in the wake of Section 377A will be to tackle the areas of discrimination that we continue to face at home, in schools, workplaces, and in housing and health systems.
The true impact of repeal will be determined by how the people of Singapore respond to it, and treat each other, in the days and months to come. It must be accompanied by the rejection of hate, of stigma, of discrimination, of erasure. It must be the beginning of us finding common ground and having open conversations about our collective futures. We cannot allow this to polarise us, deepen fissures, or make an already vulnerable community more susceptible to contempt. We must, in the face of potential backlash, strengthen ties within our community and look out for one another.
To our queer communities and allies – the repeal of Section 377A is our hard-won victory, a triumph of love over fear. As we celebrate this historical milestone, we urge the community, and indeed all Singaporeans, to continue to imagine and work toward a better future for all. A society without Section 377A is a society that is more progressive, not just for LGBTQ+ people, but for everyone. No one is free until everyone is free. This is a win for humanity.
Aces Going Places
AfA Singapore
Free Community Church
Gayhealth.sg
The Greenhouse
The Healing Circle SG
The Heartweavers
Inter-University LGBT Network
Kaleidoscope
Oogachaga
Pelangi Pride Centre
Pink Dot SG
Project X
Prout
Quasa
Ready4Repeal
Sayoni
The T Project
TransBefrienders
TransgenderSG
Singapore LGBT Law
Young Out Here
We encourage anyone who is emotionally distressed by tonight’s announcement to seek support from mental health professionals including:
For Crisis Support
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
SOS provides an anonymous, confidential and safe space for anyone in a crisis.
📞: 1767
📧: [email protected]
💻: Care Text via ChatBox function
⏰: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Institute of Mental Health (IMH) Helpline
📞: 6389 2222
⏰: 24 hours
For Community Care
Free Community Church (FCC)
FCC is a progressive and affirming church that provides support for LGBTQ+ folks who are dealing with issues intersecting with their Christian faith.
📧: [email protected]
💻: www.freecomchurch.org
📱: @freecommunitychurch
⏰ : 9am-5pm
Oogachaga
OC provides the LGBTQ+ community in Singapore safe and confidential counselling services in the form of WhatsApp, email and face-to-face services.
📱: 8592 0609, https://wa.me/6585920609
(Only messages, not Voice or Video Calls)
⏰: 7pm to 10pm on Tuesdays to Thursdays; 2pm to 5pm on Saturdays
📧: [email protected] (daily)
💻: www.oogachaga.com
📱: @oogachaga
Pelangi Pride Centre (PPC)
Pelangi Pride Centre is a LGBTQ+ community space and resource centre located in Singapore since 2003.
💻: www.pelangipridecentre.org
📱: @pelangipridecentre
⏰: 2pm to 6pm on Saturdays
📧: [email protected]
📱: 85252643
Prout x Pink Dot SG x Sayoni
Prout, Pink Dot and Sayoni have compiled a list of more than 60 (private and public sector) LGBTQ+-affirming mental health professionals. Please do not hesitate to approach any of the community groups for the list.
📱: @proutapp @pinkdotsg @sayoni
Quasa SG
Quasa is a group that empowers and uplifts all Queer Muslims, from any sect/ sexuality / gender and race.
📧: [email protected]
💻: https://www.instagram.com/quasasg
📱: @quasasg
Transbefrienders
TransBefrienders is a peer support group for transgender youths in Singapore experiencing gender dysphoria.
📧: [email protected]
💻: transbefrienders.com
📱: @transbefrienders
The Alicia Community Center
The Alicia Community Center, run by The T Project, provides peer counselling by trained social service professionals in a safe environment.
📞: 8346 0263
📧: [email protected]
💻: thetprojectsg.org
📱: @thetprojectsg
The Greenhouse
The Greenhouse is a substance use recovery centre for marginalised and vulnerable communities
💻: www.thegreenhouse.sg
📱: @thegreenhousesg
⏰: By appointment
📧: [email protected]
The Healing Circle SG (THCsg)
The Healing Circle.sg provides counselling and group therapy for LGBTQ+ Muslims in Singapore that are dealing with issues that are about and/or intersect with Islamic faith.
📧: [email protected]
💻: www.thehealingcirclesg.org
📱: @thehealingcirclesg
TransgenderSG.com
TransgenderSG provides information and connects people to resources, to enable transgender persons to manage their transition and live full lives.
📧: [email protected]
💻: www.transgendersg.com
Young OUT Here (YOH)
YOH fosters brave and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ and questioning youths to connect, support and engage with each other and the wider community.
📧: [email protected]
💻: https://www.instagram.com/youngouthere/
📱: @youngouthere
