The Workers' Party (WP) has responded to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's announcement at the National Day Rally (NDR) that Section 377A will be repealed stating that it will participate in the upcoming parliamentary debate on the issue.
Workers' Party response revealed no position
During his NDR address on August 21, 2022, Prime Minister Lee said that the government will repeal Section 377A of the penal code, a law from the colonial era that criminalizes sexual activity between men.
Simultaneously, the government will also take efforts to defend the legal definition of marriage as between one man and one woman from judicial challenges under the constitution.
According to PM Lee, opinions against homosexuality have shifted, and even some supporters of the law do not favor criminalizing gay males. Nonetheless, some proponents of repeal oppose any changes to the definition of marriage.
In response, WP stated that it recognizes the basic right of all individuals to live without fear or prejudice and to be treated equally under the law.
Additionally, it recognizes the right of diverse groups to hold and discuss opinions in accordance with their conscience.
This is the complete statement issued by the WP on the evening of August 21, following PM Lee's speech:
"The Workers’ Party recognizes the fundamental right of people to live free from fear and discrimination and to be treated equally under the law. By the same token, we also respect the right of different groups to hold and discuss positions according to their conscience.
Singapore is a pluralistic society that consists of multiple religions, ethnicities, cultures, and languages. Mutual accommodation and tolerance are critical considerations for legislation in our context.
We will participate in the debate in Parliament on the repeal of Section 377A of the Penal Code and the proposed change to the Constitution relating to marriage, in light of the amendments that the government will table."
WP did not immediately disclose its view on repealing 377A and supporting the proposed amendment to the Constitution regarding marriage.
During this year's LGBT-friendly Pink Dot event, both PAP and WP members of parliament were seen in attendance.
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