Speaking to CNA on Sunday, Mufti of Singapore Nazirudin Mohd Nasir said the repeal of 377A is a very complex social issue and a “tough balancing act” for everyone, including the Government and religious groups.
“But even as we hold on to different values, aspirations and orientations, I don’t think we should let hate and contempt for differences to win,” he said.
“It’s important that, even for religious groups like the Muslim community, our religious values and teachings continue to guide us in all that we do even as the laws change, but our religious values remain the same,” he added.
“We hope that those who disagree with our views on homosexuality and marriage can understand why religious groups like the Muslim community will want to preserve and strengthen the institution of marriage, and we are glad that the government has given an indication to do so.”
The Hindu Advisory Board (HEB) also voiced support for the Government’s decision to protect the definition of marriage as one between man and woman.
“We believe that the institution of marriage should be between a man and a woman and that position should be protected,” said HEB’s chairman Rajan Krishnan.
“Any move to formalise, strengthen and protect this definition of a marriage i.e. between a man and a woman, is thus welcome.”
As for repealing 377A, HEB said it agrees with the Government’s decision to do so, as the behaviour of individuals in private, “is within their own right, as long as it is with willing and mutually agreeable partners and not under force or duress”.
DISAPPOINTMENT OVER REPEAL OF 377A
Although the Alliance of Pentecostal & Charismatic Churches of Singapore (APCCS) welcomed the Government’s move to amend the Constitution, it expressed disappointment over the decision to repeal Section 377A.
In a statement on its website, APCCS, which represents more than 80 local churches, reiterated calls for the Government to carefully consider the “extensive downstream” impact on policies relating to marriage, families, education and housing.
Should the matter be put to a parliamentary vote, the alliance said the party whip should be lifted as part of due democratic process in multi-religious Singapore.
This is so that Members of Parliament will be able to represent the voice of all people, including the religious, and vote according to the feedback they have received from the ground, it said.
“The repeal is an extremely regrettable decision which will have a profound impact on the culture that our children and future generations of Singaporeans will live in,” said APCCS chairman Yang Tuck Yoong.
“However, we also recognise that the government seeks to bring about a balance among many differing viewpoints on this matter.”
Additional reporting by Jalelah Abu Baker