Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated on Monday (August 22) that if the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) is reelected in the next General Election, the definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman would not change under his watch.
Mr. Wong, who is expected to succeed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong reiterated in an interview with national broadcaster CNA that the upcoming repeal of the law criminalizing sex between men will have no effect on other laws and national policies based on the definition of marriage.
They stated that the government will take action against any acts of discrimination or harassment committed against anyone who speak out and practice their religions and beliefs, regardless of whether they support or oppose the LGBT community.
The statements were made one day after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong declared that the controversial Section 377A of the Penal Code will be repealed.
During his address at the National Day Rally, Mr. Lee stated that the repeal of the legislation would not result in sweeping social changes and that the present family-oriented approach, as well as the prevalent norms and values of Singaporean society, will be maintained.
Monday, CNA conducted interviews with Mr. Wong, who is also Minister of Finance, and Mr. Tong, who is also Minister of Culture, Community, and Youth, at the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) headquarters. MCI supplied a transcript to the Singaporean press.
Mr. Wong reiterated in the interview that no changes will be made to Singapore's laws and regulations that rely on the current definition of marriage, including those pertaining to adoption of children, public housing, school curriculum, advertising standards, and film classifications.
Mr. Wong did not expand on the specific policies, although Singapore does not permit same-sex couples to submit adoption applications.
MCI also restated on Monday that LGBT-related media content would continue to receive higher age ratings, while the Ministry of Education stated that educational programs and curricula will continue to be based on prevalent family values and societal standards.
Mr. Wong stated, "Let me be crystal clear: the government will continue to maintain our family-focused policies." We are committed to achieving this.
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