377A is being repealed

The government will repeal Section 377A and decriminalize sex between men.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made this announcement during his address to the country at this year's National Day Rally on Sunday (Aug. 21).

In his speech, Prime Minister Lee stated that Singapore is generally a traditional society with traditional social norms.

"We have upheld and reinforced the importance of families through many national policies, and we will continue to do so," he said.

He did, however, add that Singapore has gay individuals living among it, just like every other human society.

PM Lee said: "They are our fellow Singaporeans. They are our colleagues, our friends, our family members. They too want to live their own lives, participate in our community, and contribute fully to Singapore."

He went on to say that Singapore needs to find the best compromise and accommodation between the long-standing social mores and the desire of LGBT Singaporeans to be acknowledged and embraced.