2022: Did not support repeal of Section 377A

Mr Deputy Speaker, it is my sincere belief that retaining section 377A without enforcing it provides the best balance of the conflicting interests in our society. I have come to agree with what the Prime Minister said in Parliament on 23 October 2007 when he explained that the Government was retaining section 377A but not proactively enforcing it. This was, to quote the Court of Appeal, a "political compromise" that was "conceived with the express intention of accommodating divergent interests, avoiding polarisation and facilitating incremental change".

https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=bill-605

‍

2022: Expressed concern about erosion of family values

First, there are concerns that the repeal of section 377A will remove an important societal marker and open the door to an erosion of traditional values in our society.

https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=bill-605

‍

2022: Expressed concern about far-reaching consequences of repeal

Second, some are worried that after this law is repealed, there will be a domino effect on other regulations and policies, leading towards a normalisation of homosexuality in our society – from changes to sexuality education in schools to more liberal media portrayals and eventually, the legalisation of same-sex marriage.

https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=bill-605

‍

2022: Expressed concern about discrimination for beliefs

Third, many, especially those from the younger age groups, are concerned that as the societal narrative shifts, they will find it harder to freely express their own beliefs without being labelled as homophobic. They worried about getting cancelled or suffering discrimination in school or at the workplace because of their beliefs. 

https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=bill-605

‍

2022: Expressed concern for public health and such voices being silenced

Fourth, some have expressed concerns that the higher health risks of some types of sexual practices are not being adequately communicated to young people for fear of sounding discriminatory.

https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=bill-605

‍

2022: Expressed concern that shifting equilibrium escalates culture wars

Fifth, others are worried that the disruption to the current equilibrium will lead to an increase in advocacy by groups on both sides and spark the type of culture wars seen in other nations, which will present challenges to Singapore's national cohesion.

https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=bill-605

‍

2022: Aware that activists dissatisfied with other laws supporting heteronormative family

Sixth, some have argued that the LGBT community is already disadvantaged by the laws that support the heteronormative family and that repealing section 377A does not confer any tangible disadvantages on those who oppose the change. These residents are of the view that section 377A should be repealed.

https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=bill-605

‍

2022: Against participating in culture wars

"The Workers’ Party will not participate in the culture war over LGBT issues because this is prejudicial to the common good of our society. We seek to rise above it. Because the moral courage required to address the issue of Section 377A is not in reveling in the glory of taking absolute stances on what we believe is right, but in lowering ourselves, swallowing our pride and listening to another."

https://www.facebook.com/geraldgiam.sg/posts/pfbid038B7oGeBn6DXs7ZkMa8Qv8bJNYvBkvV1cstRaBX8eKGU4btRnHoJyq9vMXHNkQ22El