NDR 2022: No change to marriage definition 'under my watch' as next PM if PAP wins next GE: DPM Lawrence Wong
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“Basically, the overall tone of our society will not change. Our laws and policies will remain the same.”
He added that the definition of marriage will not change "under the watch of the current prime minister. And it will not happen under my watch if the PAP Government were to win the next General Election".
During the rally on Sunday, Mr Lee had said that on top of the repeal, the Government will also amend the Constitution to protect the definition of marriage from being challenged in the courts.
Mr Tong said on Monday that had the Government not done anything, there was a “significant risk” that Section 377A could be held unconstitutional and struck down by the courts.
This could lead to marriage laws coming under challenge and subsequently same-sex marriages being recognised in Singapore, which could have an impact on other laws and policies built on the existing definition of marriage.
“This will allow the Government to continue to make laws and other social policies, which depend on heterosexual marriage as its foundation, without being challenged in court on a constitutional basis,” Mr Tong said.
“I know that there are some Singaporeans who are also concerned beyond changes on laws and policies, concerned about the excesses of activism and advocacy on both sides — pro LGBT and anti LGBT,” he said.
Mr Wong added that the Government has received feedback from people who have been subject to discrimination or even harassment when they speak out or practise their faiths and beliefs.
The Government is monitoring this very closely and will take steps against any such acts, he said.
In reply, Mr Wong stressed that such matters are for Singapore and Singaporeans to decide, reiterating a point he made last week in an interview with Bloomberg News when asked to respond to United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s comments about Section 377A.
During a visit to Singapore earlier this month, the US politician had called on business groups to support the LGBT community.
Mr Wong said on Monday: “Other countries do what they wish based on their norms, based on their circumstances. But in Singapore, we decide what our social norms are, what family and marriage is about.
“And I think if you look at where we are in society, Singapore remains by and large a conservative society.”
Mr Wong acknowledged that in Singapore, attitudes are evolving and younger people are more accepting of LGBT persons and recognising that the sexual behaviour of consenting adults in private should not be criminalised.
But he added: “I believe there are still many people in Singapore who care deeply about (the position on) families and marriage, and would like to keep it that way.”
www.todayonline.com
“Basically, the overall tone of our society will not change. Our laws and policies will remain the same.”
He added that the definition of marriage will not change "under the watch of the current prime minister. And it will not happen under my watch if the PAP Government were to win the next General Election".
During the rally on Sunday, Mr Lee had said that on top of the repeal, the Government will also amend the Constitution to protect the definition of marriage from being challenged in the courts.
Mr Tong said on Monday that had the Government not done anything, there was a “significant risk” that Section 377A could be held unconstitutional and struck down by the courts.
This could lead to marriage laws coming under challenge and subsequently same-sex marriages being recognised in Singapore, which could have an impact on other laws and policies built on the existing definition of marriage.
Read also
NDR 2022: The long, winding road to the repeal of Section 377A in Singapore, and what other countries' experiences show
The Government will thus propose an amendment to the Constitution to safeguard the existing definition of marriage, as between one man and one woman and protected from constitutional challenge.“This will allow the Government to continue to make laws and other social policies, which depend on heterosexual marriage as its foundation, without being challenged in court on a constitutional basis,” Mr Tong said.
MINISTER URGES RESTRAINT AND TOLERANCE
Acknowledging the strong emotions attached to the issue of repeal, Mr Wong urged Singaporeans to exercise restraint and tolerance.“I know that there are some Singaporeans who are also concerned beyond changes on laws and policies, concerned about the excesses of activism and advocacy on both sides — pro LGBT and anti LGBT,” he said.
Mr Wong added that the Government has received feedback from people who have been subject to discrimination or even harassment when they speak out or practise their faiths and beliefs.
The Government is monitoring this very closely and will take steps against any such acts, he said.
Read also
NDR 2022: Repeal of Section 377A a relief but move to protect marriage definition is 'disappointing', say LGBTQ groups
“There is no place for such behaviours in Singapore,” he said. “No one should feel threatened because of their religious affiliation. No one should feel threatened because they are LGBT.”FOR SINGAPOREANS TO DECIDE
The ministers were asked how the Government views the positions of local and international companies in Singapore that have taken steps to recognise same-sex marriage or partners of their employees and extended traditional spousal benefits to them.In reply, Mr Wong stressed that such matters are for Singapore and Singaporeans to decide, reiterating a point he made last week in an interview with Bloomberg News when asked to respond to United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s comments about Section 377A.
During a visit to Singapore earlier this month, the US politician had called on business groups to support the LGBT community.
Mr Wong said on Monday: “Other countries do what they wish based on their norms, based on their circumstances. But in Singapore, we decide what our social norms are, what family and marriage is about.
“And I think if you look at where we are in society, Singapore remains by and large a conservative society.”
Mr Wong acknowledged that in Singapore, attitudes are evolving and younger people are more accepting of LGBT persons and recognising that the sexual behaviour of consenting adults in private should not be criminalised.
But he added: “I believe there are still many people in Singapore who care deeply about (the position on) families and marriage, and would like to keep it that way.”
