“Adultery is the leading reason for marriage breakdown and divorce. Maybe we should push for criminalising adultery,” said netizen Au Kah Kay on the news that a townhall was held to protect Section 377A of Singapore’s Penal Code which criminalises sex between men.
“Our hearts were full today, seeing over 1,200 Singaporeans of all races and backgrounds gather for the future of Singapore,” wrote the founder of the Yellow Ribbon Project, Jason Wong, who organised the event along with Mohamed Khair.
Mr Wong said that “youths, parents, educators, workers and more decided that it was time to act to protect family, marriage, our freedom of conscience, and most importantly our children, who are at the heart of these social institutions.”
He added that their event was “oversubscribed” with “hundreds on the waitlist despite attempts to cancel it” as Eventbrite pulled their listing five days before without letting the organisers appeal.
“We’ve been relatively restrained in the face of an intolerant, vocal minority that seeks to overturn the order in all areas of society – be it marriage, education, businesses, or beliefs, while demonising all those who disagree as ‘bigots’ or ‘haters, instead of engaging us with good faith,” said Mr Wong.
The townhall attendees urged the government to maintain the current political package and not to repeal Section 377A “unless and until there are adequate safeguards for our marriages, families, and freedom of conscience. This includes enshrining man-woman marriage in the constitution.”
Mr Wong added that the event featured the testimonies of over a dozen “brave souls” formerly of the LGBTQ+ community.
“There is much work to be done, but the hands of many of us citizens will make it light.”
On preserving traditional marriages, members of the online community couldn’t connect how Section 377A could harm man-woman marriages.
Many pointed out that banning divorce and criminalising adultery would better safeguard marriages.
Entrepreneur and co-founder of Kampung Collective Andee Chua also commented on Mr Wong’s post, noting Section 377A is an “outdated and redundant law that needs to be repealed.”
“Letting LGBTQ+ folks live their lives in their best and truest way is an inclusive step for the nation. Repealing 377A will not make everyone gay,” he noted.
He added that they have “no interest in ‘destroying’ heterosexual marriages and relationships. In fact, I feel truly happy for all my heterosexual friends when they are tying the knot and starting their families. We respect what’s yours, and you could do the same for us.” /TISG