Singapore

2022 - 8 - 22

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Image courtesy of "CBS News"

Singapore to decriminalize sex between men (CBS News)

Singapore's gay community says the government's plan is "a triumph of love over fear" but warned there's still a long way to equality.

"We seek the government's assurance that the religious freedom of churches will be protected as we continue to teach against same-sex sexual acts and highlight such acts," the National Council of Churches said in a statement. They called it a "hard-won victory, a triumph of love over fear" that will finally enable victims of bullying, rejection and harassment to heal. Taiwan became the first Asian government to legalize gay marriage in 2019, and Thailand recently approved plans allowing same-sex unions. Getting rid of Section 377A would bring Singapore's laws in line with "current social mores, and I hope, provide some relief to gay Singaporeans," Lee said. Though the law technically only criminalizes sex between men, it is seen as a general ban on homosexuality, the BBC reported. But Lee said societal norms have shifted considerably and many Singaporeans will now accept decriminalization.

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Image courtesy of "Reuters"

End of Singapore's gay sex ban a 'small step' for some LGBT couples (Reuters)

Singapore's decision to lift a colonial-era ban on sex between men is long overdue and will not end discrimination of LGBT groups in the conservative ...

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

End of Singapore's gay sex ban is small step in Asia-Pacific (ABC News)

Singapore's decision to decriminalize sex between men is being hailed as a step in the right direction for LGBTQ rights in the Asia-Pacific region, ...

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Image courtesy of "Financial Times"

Singapore's repeal of gay sex ban dismissed by activists as 'window ... (Financial Times)

LGBT+ activists have dismissed Singapore's decision to repeal a law banning sex between men as “window dressing” that fails to substantially soften the ...

[Purchase a Team or Enterprise subscription for per week You will be billed per month after the trial ends](https://enterprise.ft.com/en-gb/services/group-subscriptions/group-contact-us/b/?barrierName=anon_barrier&segmentId=9fbe4fe1-9315-3d67-cc6d-2bc7650c4aea&ft-content-uuid=e4fa6137-9643-4f21-a533-1421be99773d) [Purchase a Print subscription for 11,12 € per week You will be billed 107,91 € per month after the trial ends](https://subs.ft.com/spa3_uk3m?segmentId=461cfe95-f454-6e0b-9f7b-0800950bef25&utm_us=JJIBAX&utm_eu=WWIBEAX&utm_ca=JJIBAZ&utm_as=FIBAZ&ft-content-uuid=e4fa6137-9643-4f21-a533-1421be99773d) [Purchase a Digital subscription for 6,64 € per week You will be billed 39 € per month after the trial ends](https://subs.ft.com/spa3_digital?ft-content-uuid=e4fa6137-9643-4f21-a533-1421be99773d)

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Image courtesy of "Mashable"

Singapore abolishes colonial-era law criminalizing sex between men (Mashable)

Singapore has repealed Section 377A, a colonial-era law that banned sex between men. But activists say it's part of a long road to LGBTQ rights in the ...

However, the group similarly stressed that this is still "the first step on a long road towards full equality for LGBTQ+ people in Singapore." "As we celebrate this historical milestone, we urge the community, and indeed all Singaporeans, to continue to imagine and work toward a better future for all," the statement read. In June, a survey found that [less than half of Singapore's population](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/support-for-section-377a-drops-as-attitudes-to-same-sex-relationships-shift-survey-finds) supported Section 377A, a drop of 11 percent from when the same research was conducted in 2018. [varied emotions](https://www.vice.com/en/article/93a35e/singapores-decriminalize-gay-sex-lgbtq) from Singaporeans. No one is free until everyone is free." The decision, announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday, will essentially decriminalise gay sex in the city-state where advocacy groups have long been fighting for [LGBTQ](https://mashable.com/category/lgbtq) rights and equality. Following the prime minister's announcement, the [Oogachaga](https://oogachaga.com/) sent Mashable a separate statement written by [a coalition of 22 LGBTQ organisations](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/ndr-2022-lgbtq-community-express-relief-at-repeal-of-section-377a-religious-groups-voice-concerns), which said that they are "relieved" by the repeal, and called it "a win for humanity." This will continue to render LGBTIQ persons unequal members of society." [Tweet may have been deleted (opens in a new tab)] [Tweet may have been deleted (opens in a new tab)] [Tweet may have been deleted (opens in a new tab)] [Sayoni](https://sayoni.com/), a feminist organisation that works to protect the rights of queer women, [said in a statement sent to Mashable,](https://docs.google.com/document/d/18PKuQVLn4JUvB9SwFruJXJFW42N3rzd6JM71Qn5-yVc/edit) "We express deep regret about the suggested changes to the constitution on the protection of heterosexual marriages by the prime minister. This move appears to be [an appeasement](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-08-21/singapore-says-to-abolish-law-criminalizing-sex-between-men?cmpid=socialflow-twitter-business&utm_medium=social&utm_content=business&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=socialflow-organic) towards [religious groups in Singapore](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/section-377a-repeal-gay-sex-marriage-constitution-religious-groups-reactions-2891396) who are opposing the repeal of Section 377A.

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Image courtesy of "The Washington Post"

Singapore Moves on From Gay Sex Ban, Just Not Very Far (The Washington Post)

After a long period of deliberation and consultation, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Sunday the government will abolish a colonial-era law that prohibits ...

That’s important because during the pandemic and its aftermath, Singapore did convey a sense that it wasn’t entirely open to the rest of the world. “These are matters for Singaporeans to discuss and come to a consensus on how to move forward,” the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement. And what of visas for partners of the talented executives and entrepreneurs Singapore is trying hard to attract? The local LGBTQ scene wasn’t underground by any means; each year a park on the edges of the financial district played host to a vibrant pride festival. Lee signaled a limited appetite for further liberalization: His speech stopped short of embracing same-sex unions and officials foreshadowed legal changes that would protect the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman. That’s one way to interpret the scrapping of a contentious law outlawing gay sex — in addition to moral arguments for its abolition.

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Image courtesy of "Human Rights Watch"

Singapore to Decriminalize Gay Sex (Human Rights Watch)

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced on Sunday during a televised National Day Rally speech that his government would repeal the law that ...

In a [February 2022 case](https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/03/28/singapore-repeal-section-377a-singapore-penal-code-uphold-lgbtq-human-rights#:~:text=Section%20377A%20of%20the%20Penal%20Code%20criminalises%20acts%20of%20%E2%80%9Cgross,up%20to%20two%20years'%20imprisonment.), the Singapore Court of Appeal held that the law cannot be used to prosecute consenting partners engaged in private sexual activity. Similar colonial-era laws still exist in [at least 67 other countries](http://internap.hrw.org/features/features/lgbt_laws/). Court challenges in recent years have demonstrated the resolve of They are our kith and kin.” But he stopped short of supporting repeal. Section 377A of the criminal code, a relic of British colonialism introduced in 1938, is discriminatory and inconsistent with rights to nondiscrimination, privacy, and freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention. [said](https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/ndr-2022-section-377a-repeal-constitution-1974206) he wanted to “repeal Section 377A in a controlled, carefully considered way,” explaining that the government will also put forward constitutional amendments that would prevent future legal challenges to the current definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman.

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Image courtesy of "Bloomberg"

Singapore Sex-Ban Repeal Comes With Big Hurdle for Gay Marriage (Bloomberg)

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the government will repeal a colonial-era law that criminalizes sex between men, but will look to bolster ...

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Image courtesy of "UN News"

Singapore: UN rights chief welcomes repeal of colonial-era law ... (UN News)

“This colonial era law has more broadly impacted and stigmatised the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) people as a whole”, said ...

Decriminalisation is not the end point in tackling stigma and exclusion, but is a vital step forward, the agency added. Lee added that the Government would not seek any changes to the legal definition of marriage in Singapore, which will continue to be recognized only between a man and a woman. This vital change will save lives and benefit everyone, and will inspire other countries to follow. Furthermore, he said he would move to change the constitution to prevent any further challenges to the definition. “UNAIDS welcomes this as a significant step towards respecting the human rights of LGBT people in Singapore and creating a more open, tolerant and inclusive society where people can be who they are and love who they want without fear of being imprisoned. [#Singapore]announcement to decriminalize consensual sexual conduct between men.

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Image courtesy of "Variety"

Singapore Will Continue to Restrict LGBTQ Content, Even After ... (Variety)

The Singapore government announced that it will continue to restrict and classify media content with LGBTQ themes, even after its planned decriminalization ...

There, the government recently caused “Lightyear” and Marvel movie “Thor: Love and Thunder” to lose their theatrical releases by requesting LGBTQ-related cuts to the films that Disney did not accept. Since the furor, the Malaysian government has said that it plans to further act against content containing LGBTQ elements. [Lightyear](https://variety.com/t/lightyear/)” was limited to those aged 16 and above by the country’s rating board, citing its depiction of a kiss between two female characters. Non-governmental organization Human Rights Watch called the move a “mixed message.” Non-explicit depictions of sexual activity between persons of the same gender may be featured at R21 rating,” the code says. The move to repeal a colonial-era law that criminalized sex between men was announced Sunday by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

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Image courtesy of "TIME"

Singapore's Half-Hearted Concession to LGBT Rights May Make ... (TIME)

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced Sunday that Singapore would repeal a law that criminalizes sex between men—but it wasn't all good news for LGBT ...

But in June, a court in the country’s third-most populous city ruled that freedom of marriage in the constitution referred only to male-female unions, and that Japan’s [ban](https://time.com/6189670/japan-same-sex-marriage-lgbt/) on same-sex marriage was therefore constitutional. There is a lot of work to be done to change misconceptions and foster understanding towards the community.” The Taiwanese law also [imposes restrictions](https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220519-forbidden-love-taiwan-s-gay-couples-seek-foreign-marriage-equality) not faced by straight couples. The National Council of Churches of Singapore said the move weakened legislation’s role as a “moral signifier.” The organization wants the government to guarantee the freedom of churches to preach against gay sex. Fighter Jets](https://time.com/6207115/ukraine-train-fighter-pilots-russia/?utm_source=roundup&utm_campaign=20220819) [TIME’s First Interview in the Metaverse:](https://time.com/6206610/joe-hunting-virtual-reality-interview/?utm_source=roundup&utm_campaign=20220819)How a Filmmaker Made a Movie and Fell in Love in VR [Inside the Death of a Rural Daycare](https://time.com/6207142/daycare-closure-childcare-crisis/?utm_source=roundup&utm_campaign=20220819) SAFE also says that “institutionalized discrimination against LGBTQ people exists in public housing, education, adoption rules, advertising standards and film classification.” [Being LGBT and Catholic in the Philippines](https://time.com/6184345/lgbt-philippines-catholic-church-pride/) LGBT activists say the change will deal a major blow to equality. [reacted badly](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/ndr-2022-lgbtq-community-express-relief-at-repeal-of-section-377a-religious-groups-voice-concerns) to the repeal of of 377A. The move is expected to stave off challenges to heteronormative marriage laws on constitutional grounds. [improve LGBT rights](https://time.com/5951039/asia-lgbtq-japan-lgbt/) in Japan.

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Image courtesy of "Bloomberg"

Singaporean Bargain Hunters Jam Roads After Currency Boost (Bloomberg)

Singapore's strong exchange rate has sent shoppers flocking to Malaysia, and the result is gridlock at the border.

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Image courtesy of "Reuters"

Tightening risks loom as Singapore July core inflation hits 13-year ... (Reuters)

Singapore's key consumer price gauge in July rose again at its fastest pace in more than 13 years, official data showed on Tuesday, mounting pressure on the ...

It typically publishes two scheduled monetary policy statements a year, in April and October. The core inflation rate — the central bank's favoured price measure - rose to 4.8% in July on a year-on-year basis. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com

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Image courtesy of "Bloomberg"

Singapore Inflation at Highest in 14 Years on Food, Fuel (Bloomberg)

Singapore's key core inflation measure climbed to the highest level in almost 14 years last month, heaping pressure on monetary policy makers to do more to ...

Singapore's Consumer Prices Rise at Fastest Pace in 14 Years ... (MarketWatch)

Nevertheless, inflation worldwide is likely to remain elevated in the near term as key commodity markets continue to face supply constraints and labor markets ...

Car and accommodation cost increases are also likely to stay firm for the rest of the year. Amid firm consumer spending, businesses are likely to pass on increases in the prices of fuel, utilities and other imported inputs, as well as labor costs, they added. Nevertheless, inflation worldwide is likely to remain elevated in the near term as key commodity markets continue to face supply constraints and labor markets in many major economies remain tight, they said. Fresh shocks to global commodity prices and domestic wage pressures remain as upside risks to inflation, they added. The cost of transportation, which has an index weighting of 17.07%, climbed 19.0% in July from a year earlier. The city-state's CPI rose 6.7% on year in June.

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Image courtesy of "Investing.com"

Singapore CPI Inflation Hits 14-Year High on Rising Food, Energy ... (Investing.com)

Investing.com-- Singapore's CPI inflation index hit a 14-year high in July, data showed on Tuesday, driven largely by mounting food and fuel prices.

The bank is set to decide on monetary policy in October, and has so far telegraphed more tightening as it deals with rising cost pressures. [consumer price index](/economic-calendar/cpi-1112) grew at an annual rate of 7% in July- its highest pace since 2008. The reading was in-line with expectations, and higher than June’s showing of 6.7%, according to data from the Department of Statistics. The MAS said in a press release that global inflation is likely to stay elevated in the near-term, keeping the prices of key commodity imports elevated. [Core CPI inflation](/economic-calendar/core-cpi-2071), which is the MAS’ preferred inflation gauge and excludes private housing and transportation expenses, grew by 4.8% in July, higher than expectations of 4.7%. The reading now puts more pressure on the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to tighten monetary policy and temper runaway

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