Gay Marriage Becomes Next Battle in Singapore
When Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong declared earlier this month that homosexuality will be legalized – striking down the country's s377A law, a hangover from colonial penal codes – many hoped that this was the start of a snowball of progress on LGBTQ+ rights in Singapore. However, many were disappointed when the Prime Minister immediately clarified that the people of Singapore didn't want to see "shifts," and that a ban on same-sex marriage would continue to be upheld.
Mr. Lee suggested that his government would amend the law to put the power to determine what marriage is into the hands of parliament, not the courts. This presents a significant barrier to progress, as many countries have introduced same-sex marriage via court decisions and constitutional challenges. Instead, activists would have to gain a majority in parliament, including effectively the support of the government, to achieve any progress.
"One reason must be that the government needed to achieve a balance between competing interests," Singapore constitutional law expert Suang Wijaya said. "They want to be seen as giving something to the LGBT community, but also not give a defeat to the conservatives. They don't want it be a 'I win and you lose' situation as it would result in division."
While half of Singaporeans when last polled think that gay marriage is wrong, this number is declining.
The announcement reflects a shift in Singapore, where police historically have raided LGBTQ+ venues. While legalizing homosexuality will take pressure off of the community, it doesn't negate the fact that the most preferential treatment in Singaporean society and by the state is towards married couples.
Conservative groups are continuing to protest the decision.
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