The Our Singapore Conversation (OSC) survey findings showed that 53 per cent of respondents are neutral or accept gay lifestyles, while 47 per cent reject gay lifestyles. (“Liberal attitudes on gay lifestyles not prevalent here”; Aug 26).
This raises questions over whether Section 377A of the Penal Code, which criminalises sex between men, should be retained. It has been a subject of impassioned debate, with some arguing for its retention and others for its repeal.
The Government has iterated that our society is conservative, and the law reflects the majority’s disapproval of homosexuality.
Without assessing the merits of the arguments for or against S377A, if its retention is to reflect the majority’s view, and the survey findings show that less than half of the 4,000 respondents disapprove of gay lifestyles, this justification may no longer hold true.
TAN HUI MIN
*Article first appeared on TodayOnline Forums (28 Aug)