Gay rights activist files legal challenge against law banning sex between men in Singapore
This marks the third attempt to overturn Section 377A of the penal code
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
A gay rights activist in Singapore has filed a legal challenge against the law banning sex between men.
After India’s landmark decision to decriminalise gay sex last year, LGBTQ activists in Singapore have been calling for Section 377A of the penal code – which was inherited from the British colonial era – to be changed.
And now for a third time, campaigners have renewed efforts to scrap the homophobic and archaic law, AFP reported.
The latest court challenge was filed by Roy Tan, a 61-year-old retired medical doctor – who argued that law is unconstitutional.
In a statement, Tan said: “I am eager to see this archaic law, which has no place in modern society, struck down.”
Tan also argued that the law makes gay people feel isolated, depressed and even suicidal as well as fuelling negative representations in the media.
He continued: “By institutionalising discrimination, it alienates them from having a sense of belonging and purposeful place in our society, and prevents them from taking pride in Singapore’s achievements.”
Back in 2014, the Court of Appeal ruled that S377A was constitutional, but Tan’s legal battle would challenge that decision.