Statement by Equal Rights Coalition regarding the decriminalization of consensual sex between men in Singapore
The Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) welcomes the Singaporean Government’s repeal of Section 377A of the Penal Code in Singapore, which criminalized consensual sex between men.
This decision is a historic step for the advancement of the human rights of LGBTIQ+ persons in Singapore. We recognize and applaud the work of LGBTIQ+ civil society in Singapore, and their lawyers, whose efforts have been instrumental in bringing about this change. We encourage the Government of Singapore to further improve the lives of LGBTIQ+ people, their families and loved ones, which will also contribute positively to Singapore’s business environment.
It is encouraging to see a growing global momentum towards decriminalisation and we hope this pace of reform continues in the coming months. We encourage governments in the East Asian region that have not yet pursued decriminalization of consensual same-sex conduct to consider undertaking proactive legal reforms to repeal their own outdated legislation. As ERC member states, we commit to championing this reform globally because all humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights and deserve to be treated that way.
Statement by ERC co-chairs Germany and Mexico.