Singapore lawmakers will on Monday debate two bills that seek to repeal a colonial-era law criminalising sex between men while preserving the city state's status quo position on marriage.
The main opposition Workers' Party , which has nine MPs in the 103-seat legislature, has not provided a clear stance on its view although it has said that it recognises the fundamental right to be treated equally and respects "the right of different groups to hold and discuss positions according to their conscience".
Elvin Ong, an assistant professor of political science at the National University of Singapore said opposition parties are likely to "tread a careful line as well" and how nuanced their positions will be remains to be seen. Key officials have suggested the government's two-pronged plan is designed to remove the archaic Section 377A – a long time bug bear of LGBTQ citizens who say it denigrates them even though it is not enforced – while also appeasing social conservatives who are worried the definition of marriage may be altered.Section 377A of the penal code has its roots in Britain 's rule of Singapore and other colonies. The city state has been independent since 1965.
"They may also be waiting for the parliamentary debate to first assess what is said from all parties," he added.