One of the highlights of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s National Day Rally speech was the announcement that Section 377A of the Penal Code, which criminalizes sex between men, will be repealed.
Singapore’s foremost opposition party, The Workers’ Party, issued a statement in response to the Prime Minister’s speech, saying that it recognises “the fundamental right of people to live free from fear and discrimination and to be treated equally under the law.”
However, the statement also said that while Section 377A and other issues surrounding the definition of marriage are important, Singaporeans are also facing other issues.
“This is a time when high levels of inflation and cost of living continue to affect Singaporean households, especially those on fixed incomes and low-to-middle incomes.
We repeat the calls we have made in Parliament for specific reforms to address these bread and butter concerns,” said the Workers’ Party.
On the repeal of 377A, “I believe this is the right thing to do and that most Singaporeans will now accept it. This will bring the law into line with current social mores and I hope, provide some relief to gay Singaporeans,” PM Lee had said in his speech.
The WP noted in its statement that “Singapore is a pluralistic society that consists of multiple religions, ethnicities, cultures, and languages. Mutual accommodation and tolerance are critical considerations for legislation in our context.”
However, it added that “by the same token, we also respect the right of different groups to hold and discuss positions according to their conscience.”
It also wrote that the WP will be taking part in the debate in Parliament on the repeal of Section 377A as well as the proposed change to the Constitution relating to marriage, given the amendments that the government is set to table.
The WP also wrote that regarding inflation, “there is room to strengthen the Singapore dollar further to make our imports cheaper and sell long bonds to dampen speculative investment.”
It added that Singapore needs to “keep a lid on asset prices; spend to support those among us who are hurting most for a temporary period; and finance this by rebating any windfall tax gains.”
At the same time, the WP reiterated its stance against the upcoming increase in Goods and Services Taxes (GST), saying that it “adds to inflation at a time when it is wholly unnecessary.” /TISG
Workers’ Party says it will “continue to argue against the GST hike”