That’s because as it ended that law, the Singapore government reiterated its opposition to same-sex marriage. Shortly after announcing that consensual gay sex would no longer be illegal, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in his August annual rally address that his government would “support and preserve the institution of marriage” — which is defined in Constitution as union between man and woman. The move appeared to be aimed at striking a compromise with conservative sections of society that remain staunchly opposed to same-sex marriage. Christianity is the third most popular religion in Singapore after Buddhism and Taoism, covering almost one in five Singaporeans according to the 2020 census. At the same time, the city-state is home to several evangelical mega-churches that preach against homosexuality. Lee noted in his speech that gay rights remain “an extremely sensitive and controversial issue” for conservatives in the country. “What we are seeking is a political settlement, a solution that balances the legitimate views and aspirations among Singaporeans,” Lee said. “But everyone has to accept that no (any) group can have things their way,” he added. For gay rights activists, the continued ban on same-sex marriage is a major blow. There is more at stake than choosing a white church wedding: in Singapore, registered married couples have access to greater housing subsidies and adoption rights than singles. So while LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community activists welcomed the repeal of the gay sex law, many were also disappointed. And that frustration will only have deepened with the suggestion by some of Lee’s ministers that not only would the government remain opposed to same-sex marriage — it may even create additional barriers to prevent people from seeking to challenge the marriage laws in the court. Law Minister K Shanmugam said in an interview with state media that parliament, not the courts, would have the power to define marriage — essentially making it harder for people to legally challenge government policies, as they have attempted several gay men in recent years. This played well with some conservative religious groups. “We are delighted that the government has indicated that it will take steps to protect the prevailing norms and values of Singaporean society on the issue of marriage,” Bishop Titus Cheung said in a statement issued on behalf of the Diocese of Singapore. The National Council of Churches, made up of many local churches and Christian organisations, said its members “further appreciated” the government’s assurance that it would “support and safeguard the institution of marriage”. And the Catholic Church of Singapore also welcomed the government’s move. “Otherwise, we will go down a slippery slope of no return, weakening the fabric of a strong society built on the foundation of holistic families and marriages,” it said. Activists, meanwhile, have expressed their dismay. “Any move by the government to introduce further legislation or constitutional amendments that mark LGBTQ+ people as unequal citizens is disappointing,” more than 20 activist groups said in a joint statement.
“This is not the end”
But some activists say they prefer to focus on the positive, at least for now. As Associate Professor of Law Eugene Tan of the Singapore Management University said: “Singapore has removed a law that was long seen as discriminatory against gay men. To see the current situation as lifting one ban in favor of keeping another misses the progress that has achieved.” In 2012, Gary Lim and Kenneth Chee, a gay couple who had been together for 15 years, challenged the anti-gay sex law in Singapore’s High Court. “For us, repealing (the gay sex law) was never about gay marriage,” the couple said. “We’re both relieved that after ten years, (its repeal) happened in our lifetime.” However, they admit they are disappointed by the government’s comments on the wedding. “We’ve been waiting for this to happen, but it’s not the end,” Lim said. “The work doesn’t stop and with this takedown, things will get stronger and move forward as the queer community heals.” “Getting married would be a nice recognition of our relationship and love for each other, but at this point, it’s not the most important thing,” Chi said. “But (it worries me) how our marriage would affect straight marriages, I don’t understand that,” he added. “I hope that conservatives can one day see that homosexuals are not dangerous or a threat to them or their children. They don’t need to be afraid of us.” “And maybe in the future we can all forge a relationship and work together.” CNN’s Jan Camenzind Broomby contributed reporting to this piece.
