#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/international-news/40019187

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Singapore will decriminalize sex between men, the prime minister said on Sunday, adding that society in the city-state was becoming more accepting of gay people.

But he added the government had no intention of changing the city-state’s legal definition of marriage – that is, between a man and a woman.

“I believe this is the right thing to do, and something that most Singaporeans will now accept,” Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in the annual national day rally speech, adding the government will repeal Section 377A of the penal code, a colonial-era law that criminalizes sex between men.

“Even as we repeal Section 377A, we will uphold and safeguard the institution of marriage… Under the law, only marriages between one man and one woman are recognized in Singapore,” Lee added.

Singapore residents on Monday welcomed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s plan to decriminalise sex between men, even though he had no plans to change the legal definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman.

“Very outdated law. I mean, repealing it sounds like it makes a lot of sense right now,” said Lim, a 48-year-old local resident who only provided his surname. Another resident said the legal adjustment would be a “timely” move and a “well-struck balance”.

Lee’s announcement was also welcomed by LGBTQ groups who said in a joint statement they were “relieved”. But they also expressed concern that ruling out same-sex marriage would help to perpetuate discrimination.

It was unclear when exactly Section 377A of Singapore’s penal code, a colonial-era law that criminalises sex between men, would be repealed. Under the law, offenders can be jailed for up to two years, but it is not currently actively enforced.

Published : August 22, 2022

By : Reuters