The Workers' Party (WP) would lift the party whip for its Members of Parliament (MPs) during the debate over the repeal of Section 377A, Opposition Leader Pritam Singh announced on December 28.
Since the 2011 General Election, this is the first time WP has loosened the whip.
According to Singh, the WP MPs held differing views on the repeal of the anti-gay law in their individual capacity.
"Under normal conditions, I would not remove the whip for parliamentary discussions, given the party-political system that overlays elected representatives in this chamber," the WP leader stated.
"However, 377A is unique in that many Singaporeans view it via a religious lens, in addition to being a question of conscience for an equal number."
He stated that MPs from the WP who oppose repeal would be prevented from voting freely if the whip is not lifted.
It will also prevent them from representing Singaporeans for whom this issue is a matter of "deep" religious conviction and conscience.
The head of the WP stated that in doing so, he had invited all of the MPs who would speak to reflect on their stance and to imagine a set of ideas or perspectives from which society as a whole — with its diverse viewpoints — might advance.
"We are aware that Singapore is split on 377A. How can we reduce this, contribute to temperature reduction, and ensure that Singapore is a home for all?" Singh indicated.
He mentioned Faisal Manap and Louis Chua, two WP legislators who were not present for the discussion because they tested positive for Covid-19.
Singh stated that Faisal opposed with the repeal of 377A on religious and moral grounds, whilst Chua supported the repeal.
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