SAFE Statement - Repeal of 377A

SAFE had issued a statement when the government had asked for feedback for the proposed amendments to the Penal Code in December 2006.

The Penal Code (Amendment) Bill will be read in Parliament a second time on 22 October. If there is enough debate, the Bill will go to a Select Committee where there will be more consultations and written submissions can be made by members of the public. Otherwise, the Bill will simply pass through to the Third Reading when it will be passed with little debate.

SAFE is firmly of the option that s377A of the Penal Code should be repealed together with s377 which criminalises oral and anal sex between heterosexuals. To repeal the law for heterosexuals but to retain it for
homosexuals is discriminatory and unconscionable. With Singapore's claim to be a "renaissance" and open city, there is no place for a law that regulates consenting adults' sexuality expressed in private.

Further, we are strongly against any law that makes the people we love and respect, that is, our gay sons, brothers, grandsons, nephews and male friends, "criminals" for loving another person of the same sex.

SAFE supports the website http://www.repeal377a.com/. Please sign the online letter to the Prime Minister calling for a repeal at AND download the petition, sign the signing page and return to one of the collection points by Sunday 14 October. Time is running out, please act now.

Whether or not s377A is repealed, it is important for our voice to be heard in a democratic process.