Singapore has announced the decriminalisation of sex between men, however same-sex marriage will remain illegal.

Gay sex is currently criminalised under Section 377A of the penal code, which can result in up to two years in jail for breaching the law.

While this law hasn’t been actively enforced in years, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that he believes decriminalisation is the “right thing to do”.

He also added that traditional marriage practices will be upheld despite this change, stating that changes to the constitution may be made to ensure this isn’t challenged in the future.

“This will help us repeal Section 377A in a controlled and carefully considered way,” he said.

“We believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman, that children should be raised within such families, that the traditional family should form the basic building block of society.”

While LGBTQIA+ groups were unhappy with the news that marriage laws will remain the same, they expressed relief in a signed statement regarding the repeal of Section 377A.

“For everyone who has experienced the kinds of bullying, rejection and harassment enabled by this law, repeal finally enables us to begin the process of healing. For those that long for a more equal and inclusive Singapore, repeal signifies that change is indeed possible,” they said.

Religious groups didn’t share this relief, stating that it’s an “extremely regrettable decision” that will impact Singapore’s culture for generations to come.

There is currently no set date for when the repeal will officially commence.

PHOTO: Pride flag by Quinn Dombrowski available HERE and used under a Creative Commons License. This photo has not been modified.