The recent decision by the Indian Supreme Court to rule in favour of decriminalising homosexuality has sparked debates in Singapore about whether the city-state should also repeal section 377A of the Penal Code. Different parties on both sides of the debate have spoken on the issue and some have even organised public online petitions to garner support for their positions.
The National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) has released a statement on its position regarding the issue of 377A, which is clearly articulated in its 2003 statement, for it to remain unchanged. NCCS does not support the repeal of 377A. The Council therefore agrees with the 2014 ruling of the apex court concerning the constitutionality of section 377A and supports the government’s decision to retain it.
“The Bible clearly and categorically prohibits homosexual behaviour because it is a perversion of the way in which God has ordered human sexual relationships. In light of the Biblical teaching on the subject, the Council believes that the homosexual lifestyle is not only harmful for individuals, but also for families and society as a whole.”
“The repeal of section 377A would result in the normalisation and promotion of this lifestyle, which in turn would lead to undesirable moral and social consequences, a slippery slope as seen in some countries taking this step.”
The Council urges Christians to continue to pray for the government and the people of Singapore as this contentious issue is being debated, that they will not be influenced by domestic pressures or global trends. Pray also that the government will always act in the long-term interest of the people of Singapore and for the common good.
Above all, the Council urges Christians to pray that God will protect the institutions of marriage and family because they are indispensable for the wellbeing of the future generation and the flourishing of our society.
For full details in the document, please visit www.nccs.org.sg or read it here.
