Action for AIDS Singapore welcomes the Prime Minister’s announcement that Section 377A of the Penal Code will be abolished

August 21, 2022
Action for AIDS Singapore (AfA) welcomes the announcement by the Prime Minister in his National Day Rally Speech regarding the repeal of Section 377A of the Penal Code.
This has been a long-awaited decision on a law that has been a structural barrier to more effective safer sex education for gay and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in Singapore.
With the abolition of Section 377A, AfA will work to increase and strengthen efforts to eliminate the stigma and discrimination faced by gay and other MSM and the wider LGBTQ communities in accessing early diagnosis and care for HIV infection, STDs and other health challenges.
We look forward to more inclusive sexuality education programmes in schools, and fairer portrayal of MSM in the media that can facilitate HIV and STD treatment and prevention.
AfA believes that removing Section 377A will significantly strengthen HIV and STD control programmes in Singapore, not just for gay and other MSM, but indeed for everyone.
Prof Roy Chan
President
Action for AIDS Singapore