Guest fountainhall Posted July 11, 2013 Posted July 11, 2013 This relates to an issue raised in an earlier thread titled “Singapore High Court Debates Homosexuality Bill”. Since it is likely to be of increasing prominence in the coming months, I believe it deserves a separate thread.Two gay Singaporeans have gallantly been trying to get the Singapore government to repeal the notorious Section 377A of the Penal Code which criminalises sex between consenting males. This holdover from Singapore’s earlier colonial masters allows for anyone found to have broken the law to be sentenced to up to 2 years in jail. Whilst the government has said it no longer intends to enforce the law, it will not repeal it, saying Singapore society is not ready for it and the majority of Singaporeans still find homosexual acts unacceptable(!) The law, in other words, is an ass!Gary Lim (44) and Kenneth Chee (37) who have been partners for 15 years have been fighting since late last year to have the law repealed on the grounds that it is unconstitutional. In a ruling earlier this year, the Singapore High Court refused their petition.Now the couple has decided to lodge an Appeal against the decision. And this time they have assembled a high-powered legal team that includes Lord Peter Goldsmith, a Queen’s Counsel and the former Attorney General for England, Wales and Northern Ireland from 2001 to 2007. Although the couple has raised US$107,730 through various fundraising drives, Lord Goldsmith has agreed to undertake their case pro bono.http://www.fridae.asia/newsfeatures/2013/07/09/12362.singapore-gay-couple-in-s377a-challenge-appoints-new-legal-team Quote
