Singapore to repeal same-sex law to attract top global talent
Singapore will be repealing a colonial-era law that criminalizes sex between men as part of its strategy to lure global talent in the country.
According to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, “In this global contest for talent, Singapore cannot afford to be creamed off, or left behind.”
The country’s removal of the stigma of being gay is expected to make it an attractive destination for companies that actively support LGBTQ causes.
Over the years, companies have faced difficulties in obtaining visas for same-sex partners though the government has handled some of this on a case-by-case basis.
Lee added that removing the legal ban on sex between men, known as Section 377A of the Penal code was “the right thing to do, and something that most Singaporeans will now accept.”
“Most Singaporeans do not want the repeal to trigger a drastic shift in our societal norms across the board,” The PM stated. “What we seek is a political accommodation that balances different legitimate views and aspirations.”
