John Tan: SDP Not Missing in Action on Repeal of Section 377A

During a recent People’s Action Party conference, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stated that the opposition has been absent when it comes to addressing contentious issues like the repeal of Section 377A, which criminalizes sex between men. He added that if the opposition aims to win more seats in Parliament and form the government, it cannot “lie low” on such matters.

Former Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) vice-chairman John Tan has pushed back on this assertion, arguing that his party has consistently voiced its stance on Section 377A and has not been “missing in action.” Tan highlighted that as early as 2007, the SDP was calling for the repeal of the colonial-era law, promoting equality and fundamental rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation.

“One of SDP’s fundamental tenets is the principle of basic rights and equality for all,” Tan stated, recalling his public stance in 2007. “This principle must be applied in every domain, including that of sexual orientation.”

In an interview with The Independent Singapore, Tan, previously the party’s assistant secretary-general, explained that supporting the repeal of Section 377A does not require one to be part of the LGBTQ+ community. He emphasized the importance of respecting diverse lifestyles and argued that criminalizing individuals based on their sexual orientation is unjust.

“We call for the repeal not because of a so-called ‘gay agenda,’ but because it’s about basic human rights,” said Tan. “Just because I don’t live a gay lifestyle doesn’t mean I should oppose or criminalize it. We don’t criminalize people of different faiths, so why should we criminalize those with a different sexual orientation?”

Tan credited the years of activism by the LGBTQ+ community, particularly through the Pink Dot movement, which has advocated for inclusiveness and the freedom to love since 2009. He noted that without this activism, the issue might have remained unaddressed.

“Activists play a crucial role in pushing boundaries,” said Tan. “If the LGBTQ+ community hadn’t voiced their concerns, this conversation wouldn’t be happening. It’s important to make your voice heard so that the government has to listen and think critically about these issues.”

In October, Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam introduced a bill in Parliament to repeal Section 377A. Additionally, Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli tabled a constitutional amendment to protect the current definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

The repeal and constitutional amendment are set to be debated on Nov. 28, requiring a simple majority to repeal Section 377A and two-thirds support to amend the constitution.