377A repeal: Parliamentarians must continue to be ‘voice of the community’, says Pink Dot

“LONG WAY TO GO” FOR MANY MPs

On the debate in Parliament, Pink Dot said MPs “touched on topics that are near and dear to LGBTQ+ Singaporeans”, such as access to housing and mental healthcare.

“Regrettably, some of these speeches contained familiar talking points often weaponised by right-wing groups in the West,” it said.

“These include unsubstantiated rhetoric and fear-mongering around ‘cancel culture’, overblown anxieties about the erosion of religious freedoms, or flagrant mischaracterisation of LGBTQ+ advocates as ‘militant’ activists.”

The speeches often pitted LGBTQ+ people against “family values” and “religious freedoms”, it added, with the narratives “used to justify the continued discrimination of LGBTQ+ people in areas beyond 377A”.

“Many of these accounts reflect an unfortunate truth — that even though our MPs have changed their minds about 377A since 2007, many have a long way to go when it comes to educating themselves about their queer constituents,” it said.

Pink Dot did not name these MPs.

“As esteemed political leaders, it must be expected that in a public debate about LGBTQ+ issues that they consult with LGBTQ+ people and conduct meaningful research,” said the group.

“Importantly, they must be able to discern between the community’s lived experiences and fearful rhetoric that is more grounded in fiction than fact.”

Pink Dot said LGBTQ+ groups have “made strides in educating the public on the LGBTQ+ community and its issues” since Section 377A was first debated in Parliament in 2007.

“As a result, public conversations have evolved to become richer, more empathetic, and more productive in creating a more just, equal and inclusive Singapore,” it said.

“This is progress. Going forward, parliamentarians must be a part of this conversation. They must not shy away from sensitive issues and tackle them with a firm grasp of principles and good judgment.

“Pink Dot SG and other community groups stand ready to work with the country’s leaders to safeguard the rights of marginalised communities.”