The High Court of Singapore in the Southeast Asian city-state of Singapore rejected on Monday a number of actions by activists against a law again to legalize homosexuality in Singapore. So the second and most recent attempt to overturn the British colonial-era law failed.
The court rejected all three appeals, arguing that section 377a violates equality and freedom of speech. Action leaders were a doctor in the peace and quiet, a DJ and a lawyer.
In Singapore, there is a small gay and lesbian scene. A few Bars and cafes, where the Community meets, work in a grey zone. As long as there are no public displays of affection, can the police do virtually nothing.
Therefore the law is applied only very rarely. Activists argue that it is speaking of the increasingly modern and vibrant culture of the prosperous city state. The 1938 legislation introduced provides for a maximum penalty of two years in prison for homosexual acts.
participants of the LGBTQ-Events “Night Pink Dot” dress on the occasion of the day of each year, in Pink, in order to increase the awareness and understanding of the LGBTQ Community in Singapore photo:
The court found: The fact that the law is rarely applied, do it but “superfluous”. And: “The legislation remains important, the public opinion and the Beliefs reflect”, the summary of the judgment.
in Front of reporters, said the attorney for the Plaintiff, he was “very disappointed”. The legislation was, without a doubt, “discriminatory.”
