It's for Singaporeans to discuss not foreigners.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reminded foreign businesses on Thursday (August 4) to be "careful" when advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues in Singapore, in response to remarks made by United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during her visit to the country this week.
Ms. Pelosi requested business organizations to help the local lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) population in a statement published from Singapore on the first day of her high-profile Asia tour. Ms. Pelosi's request came as more American corporations set up headquarters in Singapore.
In response, MHA stated on Thursday, "The Government would want to remind foreign businesses that while they are free to encourage diversity within their organizations, they should exercise caution when advocating for socially controversial topics in Singapore."
This includes LGBT concerns, according to the government, which added, "these are subjects for Singaporeans to discuss and reach an agreement on how to proceed."
In May of last year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement in response to a webinar co-hosted by the US embassy and a local LGBTQ non-profit, Oogachaga.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned the US Embassy that foreign missions are prohibited from interfering in domestic social and political affairs, such as how sexual orientation should be addressed in public policy.
These are decisions that should only be debated and made by Singaporeans.
In recent months, Section 377A, a Singapore legislation that criminalizes intercourse between males but is rarely actively implemented, has been the subject of increased debate.
In February of this year, Singapore's highest court rejected a challenge against the law, the most recent of multiple unsuccessful attempts to overturn 377A over the years.
However, the government has stated that it is evaluating the best course of action for the law, while recognizing many perspectives, including those of a sizable faction that wishes to keep 377A.
K Shanmugam, Singapore's Minister of Law and Home Affairs, stated a month ago that Singapore will seek to defend its present legal stance on marriage against judicial challenges.
According to Section 12 of the Women's Charter, the present legal definition of marriage is between a man and a woman; same-sex marriages are regarded invalid.
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