SINGAPORE - The People's Action Party will not be lifting the whip when Parliament votes to repeal a law that criminalises sex between men as the matter is one of public policy, said Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Monday .Referring to Section 377A of the Penal Code, DPM Wong said:"In our minds, this is a matter of public policy because we are repealing a law which the courts have already said is not going to be enforced.
In an interview with local news broadcaster CNA on Monday, Mr Wong, who is also Finance Minister, said the Government's plans amount to a"very limited, careful and controlled repeal of Section 377A".had called for the party whip to be liftedThe role of a party whip is to ensure good communication in the party ranks, contribute to the smooth running of its parliamentary machinery and serve as disciplinarian.
This protection will also be extended to other laws and policies which depend on this current definition of marriage, such as laws on adoption, public housing, school curriculum and advertising, he added. Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong during the interview on Aug 22, 2022. PHOTO: MCI"And if we did this, if we hard coded marriage in this way, in the most fundamental legal document in Singapore, we may end up prompting those who disagree with this position to campaign to mobilise, agitate, perhaps even with greater intensity," he added.
PAP is protecting its MPs from criticism especially those who have made a stand on the other side. However, perhaps abstaining will show a symbolic resistance though undoubtedly none will dare to vote the other way without 'behind the door' acceptance from senior members.