'Most difficult speech I have to make': MPs have their say in Parliament about the repeal of Section 377A

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A month after Minister for Home Affairs and Law K. Shanmugam introduced the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill to decriminalise sex between men, more than 20 Members of Parliament (MP) have followed it up with a debate in Parliament today (Nov 28). On whether they agree or oppose the Bill, several MPs have called it the most difficult decision and speech...

Dennis Tan of the Workers' Party and the People's Action Party's Sun Xueling are among the Members of Parliament who spoke during the Parliament debate., more than 20 Members of Parliament have followed it up with a debate in Parliament today .

"I also have many friends and good friends who are from the LGBT community. [They have] shared with me some of their difficult experiences in life which makes my decision today even more difficult and humbling. I humbly seek their understanding," he said. This is so that those who are not in favour of the Bill can have the "opportunity to vote freely", he said, adding that Faisal Manap also did not support the repeal as "a matter of religion and conscience".Pritam said: "Given the varied public opinion on the impending repeal of 377A, there is a risk that the democratic value of Parliament could be diluted if the views of Singaporeans on this subject are not adequately ventilated in this House.

But the MP for Bukit Batok SMC added that it would not prevent him or any of his fellow party members from speaking their views. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development Sun Xueling shared that she had met with members from various LGBT groups and understood from them that Section 377A is like a rejection of their right to exist and makes them feel like a lesser citizen.

 

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