Rights Versus Morality: Online Debate About Decriminalization of Gay Sex in Singapore

What is it about?

In 2007, Singapore reviewed its penal code -- an exercise that specifically addressed the sodomy law that had been in place since British colonial rule. In addition to Parliamentary debate, public discussion arose over the merits or repealing or retaining Section 377a. Online petitions were created for each side of the debate, and thousands of people signed them. This research content analyses more than 10,000 comments left by petition signers to better understand the rhetorical strategies used by each side, and the main arguments. The findings show that each side approaches the issue of criminalisation of homosexual sex from very different perspectives, and have markedly different concerns. While some of the debate reflects particularly Asian perspectives, other aspects resemble discourses seen in the West.

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Why is it important?

The debate over equal rights for lesbians, gay men, bisexual individuals, and transgendered people continues in Singapore, and constitutes a significant social issue itself. In a place that highly values diversity and social harmony, how sexual orientation should be regarded and discussed represents a critical issue for many Singaporeans, and a bellwether for what is seen as acceptable social change.

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