AiBotSingapore – In a historic move, the Singapore Parliament has overwhelmingly passed the bill authorizing same-sex marriage in the city-state, marking a significant shift in the country’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights. The bill, which has been the subject of intense debate for years, was approved by a vote of 84-53, with 10 abstentions.
The bill, which was introduced by Minister for Social and Family Development Ms. Tan See Lian, grants full marriage rights to same-sex couples, including the right to adopt children and receive government benefits. The measure also updates Singapore’s definition of marriage to include “two individuals, irrespective of sex who enter into a civil union of marriage”.
Speaking to a packed parliament session, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stated that the government had listened to the concerns of the LGBTQ+ community and recognized the need for greater inclusivity. “This is a significant step forward for our society, and we are proud to be a more inclusive and accepting nation,” he said.
The passing of the bill comes after years of campaigning by LGBTQ+ activists and advocates, who argued that the existing laws and social norms discriminated against same-sex couples. Proponents of the bill pointed out that Singapore’s laws are currently contradictory, allowing foreign same-sex couples to register their marriages in Singapore while domestic same-sex couples are denied the same rights.
In a statement, Ms. Jill Irwin, President of the People’s Action Party (PAP) Women’s Affairs Committee, said that the PAP recognized the importance of equality and fairness for all Singaporeans. “This is a critical moment for our nation, where we come together to build a more inclusive and compassionate society.”
However, not all lawmakers supported the bill. Some raised concerns about the potential impact on traditional family values and the definition of marriage. Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam acknowledged these concerns, stating that “we respect the diversity of views, but ultimately, the majority of Parliament has spoken”.
The bill is expected to take effect in the coming months, pending presidential assent. Singapore’s President, Halimah Yacob, has indicated that she will sign the bill into law once it reaches her desk. With this landmark legislation, Singapore takes a significant step forward in its journey towards greater equality and inclusivity.
As news of the bill’s passage spread, celebrations erupted among the LGBTQ+ community and their supporters. Activists and advocates hailed the victory as a testament to the power of collective activism and the importance of advocating for human rights. The bill’s passage is seen as a significant milestone in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights not just in Singapore, but across the region and globally.