Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, announced on Sunday that Law 377A will be repealed. The move removes criminal penalties for homosexuality, while the Constitution will be amended to safeguard marriage between men and women.
In a nationwide address, Lee acknowledged that social attitudes toward the LGBT community have shifted markedly in recent years. He framed the repeal as a step toward decriminalizing same-gender relationships, which were once criminalized under the Penal Code as an expression of what he described as a period of “great immorality.”
Lee noted that Singapore remains a largely conservative society, yet tolerance for gay people appears to be rising, particularly among younger generations. The Prime Minister emphasized that respected cultural norms and the institution of marriage should be preserved, a point echoed in remarks compiled by the CNA in coverage of the speech.
During the week, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, according to Bloomberg reporting, conveyed that the administration views the repeal as a signal of shared values held by society at large and worthy of celebration as part of Singaporean progress.
Officials stressed that the scope of the law’s repeal is narrow. The colonial-era provision will be removed from enforcement, but it will not legalize same-sex marriage, alter existing adoption policies, or change broader educational or civil rights frameworks. The government underscored that these related issues will continue to be addressed through ongoing policy discussions and legislative considerations, ensuring that comprehensive policy coherence remains a priority for Singapore’s constitutional and social framework.