PC: CNN Philippines

This week’s announcement by Singapore that it would repeal a colonial-era legislation that made sex between males illegal appeared to be a major triumph for gay rights activists in the Southeast Asian nation.

Many others noticed that it had two edges after giving it a second glance.
That’s because the Singaporean government repeated its opposition to gay marriage as it repealed that law.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong declared in his annual August rally speech shortly after declaring that consenting gays would no longer be prohibited from having sex that his administration would “uphold and safeguard the institution of marriage,” which is outlined in the Constitution as a union between a man and a woman.

That action seemed to be an attempt to reach a compromise with conservative social groups that are still vehemently opposed to same-sex unions. According to the 2020 census, roughly one in five Singaporeans identify as Christian, making it the third most common religion in Singapore after Buddhism and Taoism. The city-state also has a number of evangelical mega churches that actively oppose homosexuality.

Gay rights continue to be “a highly sensitive and divisive” topic for conservatives in the nation, Lee acknowledged in his speech.
In order to balance Singaporeans’ valid perspectives and objectives, Lee said, “What we seek is a political accommodation.”

But, he continued, “everyone has to understand that no (one) group can have things their way.

The continued prohibition against same-sex marriage is a serious setback for advocates for LGBT rights. Higher than just the choice of a white wedding in a church is at risk in Singapore, where married couples are entitled to more housing assistance and adoption rights.

As a result, while LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) campaigners applauded the repeal of the gay sex statute, many of them also expressed disappointment.

And that disappointment will only have grown after several of Lee’s ministers suggested that not only would the government continue to oppose homosexual marriage, but it would even put more barriers in the way of anyone wishing to challenge the marriage laws in court.
In an interview with state media, law minister K Shanmugam stated that Parliament, not the courts, will have the authority to define marriage, making it more difficult for individuals to legally challenge the government’s policies—as some homosexual men have sought in recent years.
Some conservative religious groups have accepted that.

In a statement released on behalf of the Diocese of Singapore, Bishop Titus Chung said, “We are encouraged that the government has indicated they would be taking efforts to defend the prevailing norms and values of the Singaporean society on the topic of marriage.”

Multiple local churches and Christian organisations that make up the National Churches Council stated that their people “further appreciated” the government’s pledge to “uphold and preserve the institution of marriage.”
The Catholic Church in Singapore also praised the government’s action. The fabric of a robust society, built on the pillars of wholesome families and marriages, would be weakened if we didn’t act, the statement said.
Meanwhile, activists have expressed their dissatisfaction.

More than 20 activist groups warned in a joint statement that “any initiative by the government to adopt new legislation or constitutional amendments that signal LGBTQ+ people as unequal citizens is disheartening.”

‘It’s not over yet’
However, some campaigners claim that, for the time being, they would rather highlight the benefits.
Eugene Tan, an adjunct professor of law at the Singapore Management University, explained it like way: “An anti-gay law that had long been in place in Singapore was repealed. One would be neglecting the advancements if they thought that the current situation was about removing one prohibition in favour of maintaining another.”
A gay couple who had been together for 15 years, Gary Lim and Kenneth Chee, challenged the ban on gay intercourse in 2012 before Singapore’s High Court.

The couple stated, “For us, repealing (the gay sex law) was never about gay marriage.” “We are just both relieved that (its abolition) has happened in our lives after ten years.”

They do, however, acknowledge their disappointment with the government’s comments on marriage.
We anticipated that, but it’s not the end, Lim said. “Work continues, and with this repeal, things will strengthen and advance as the queer community heals.”
Chee stated, “Getting married would be a lovely acknowledgement of our relationship and affection for each other, but at this moment, it isn’t the most essential thing.”
However, he continued, “I don’t understand how our marriage will effect straight couples.

“I hope that the conservatives can one day see gay people are not dangerous or a threat to them or their children. They don’t have to fear us.”

“And maybe in the future we can all forge a relationship and work together.”