377A of Singapore Penal Code

Question: Discuss on 377A of Singapore penal code, people's reactions on the section 377A and different Issues around this section 377A of Singapore? Answer: 1.0 Introduction 1.1 What is Section 377A of the Penal Code of Singapore The article 377A of Singapore states that no male person can have a physical relationship with another man orally or sexually. Neither he is helping another man to have sex nor he should help any other man to have such relationship. If he found guilty in keeping homosexual relationship with other men he would be punished (National Library Board, S. 2015). The punishment for this crime can be up to two years imprisonment. It would not matter whether they are doing such act at their personal place or at a public place it would be considered as a crime according to law. 1.2 People's reactions on the section 377A This bill was criticized by the people already living in relationship with other men. The gay community also filed a plea against this bill. Their argument was that the law cannot discriminate between a man and women. The lesbian relationships are accepted in a society, then why their relationship is considered as crime.There should not be any discrimination between the four relationships that is homosexual, lesbian, gay and transgender (Ling, L. 2010). According to them God has made them different from a normal human being biologically so the same law cannot be implemented on them. They should be treated in a different way. Whereas the counter view is that these are against the moral values. This is not ethically correct and even the nature has not made it this way 2.0 Different Issues around this section 377A of Singapore This act is against the law of nature: Even nature has discriminate between man and women. As a matter of fact, a woman can give birth to a child when she has intimate contact with a man. That is one of the reasons why this act is not supported by certain religious (FCBC) people (National Library Board, S. 2015). They have raised this issue as one of the problems which might decline moral values of the society. Discrimination between man and woman: One of the major issues is that this law is applicable to gay society only it does not hinder the relationship of lesbians (National Library Board, S. 2015). The Pink Dot organization has raised this issue of discrimination as their view is that the law should be equal for all and there is no reason to have this Law against man. So either this law should be abolished or should be amended for both sexes. Gay relationships are considered as sin: In Islamic and Catholic church the gay relationships are considered as a sin. Religious groups have tried to publish, this act as something which is not rightful and have condemned any protest against removal of this act.They even went on to raise their issues with white dress protest. Sexual orientation is different: LGBT community believes that there is nothing wrong ethically or morally in what they are doing as it is the nature who has made them this way (Carlson, D. 2014).They have raised the issue mentioning that they should be considered as normal people and even this act should be considered as something which they cannot control. 3.0 Reasons why the Section 377A of the Penal CodeShould continue Former homosexuals are no longer homosexual: There has been cases where and reports suggesting that some people, which were Homosexual were transformed into heterosexual over a period of time (The Online Citizen,. 2007). So it cannot be argued that this is incurable. Transmitting sexual diseases: The chances of transmitting sexual diseases are quite high as compared to the heterosexual relationship (Lindsey, H. 2014), As this type of Sex also involves anal sex which can be really harmful. The chances of AIDs/HIV also increase. Faithful relationship: To have a very strong society, it is essential to have a strong and faithful relationship between men and women(The Online Citizen,. 2007). This message was quite clear in the protest made by 1000s of Singaporean christian by wearing white to protest against Pink Dot gay rally. Family: A child always requires both Man and woman during their early age. Even if a child is adopted by a gay couple, the child would not be able to identify the qualities which a women posses. White Dress Event which was organized by Faith community Baptist Church mentioned that there would be Decline in moral values if there is sex between men and it might lead to unhealthy family atmosphere (Chua, L. 2012). They even consider this act as a crime. 4.0 Reasons why the Section 377A of the Penal CodeShould be removed. Private behavior: This is something which is very private to a person and there are laws to support privacy and freedom. There is no need to interfere in someone private matter(The Online Citizen,. 2007). Even the Pink Dot organization (community of gay people) in Singapore celebrates this as Freedom of love. In their view, it is their right to have freedom of sexual orientation. No harm: This type of Man would not harm any other individuals so it does not make any sense to make a law to stop them from any such acts (The Online Citizen,. 2007). These gay people are doing things in the world and which in turn would not affect any other people. Born in this way: These Men are born is this way and there is no point in trying to force them to change, As this might never happen. The Pink Dot community has also supported the point that the people belonging to LBGT are innate (The LGBT Community, Health Policy, and the Law 2010). It should be considered that it is not in their mind to control this feeling. Other more devastating issues: There are many more issues in the Singapore which should be given priority rather than focusing and spending time on someones personal choice. There are issues related to economic growth, poverty and equally which should be given importance rather than working on laws against the gay men. 5.0 References Carlson, D. (2014). Postqueer? Examining Tensions Between LGBT Studies and Queer Theory: A Review of LBGT Studies and Queer Theory.Journal Of LGBT Youth,11(1), 95-100. Chua, L. (2012). Pragmatic Resistance, Law, and Social Movements in Authoritarian States: The Case of Gay Collective Action in Singapore.Law Soc'y Rev,46(4), 713-748. Lindsey, H. (2014). Meeting Examines the Continuing Challenges of Cancer, HPV, HIV in the LGBT Community.Oncology Times,36(7), 36-37. Ling, L. (2010).Eresources.nlb.gov.sg. Retrieved 25 March 2015, fromhttps://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1639_2010-01-31.htmlhttps://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1639_2010-01-31.html National Library Board, S. (2015).Penal Code section 377A | Infopedia.Eresources.nlb.gov.sg. Retrieved 25 March 2015, fromhttps://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1639_2010-01-31.html The LGBT Community, Health Policy, and the Law. (2010).Virtual Mentor,12(8), 658-662. doi:10.1001/virtualmentor.2010.12.8.hlaw1-1008 The Online Citizen,. (2007).377A serves public morality : NMP Thio Li-Ann. Retrieved 25 March 2015, fromhttps://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2007/10/377a-serves-public-morality-nmp-thio-li-ann/