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One of the highlights of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s National Day speech was the announcement that he would repeal Section 377A of the Penal Code, which criminalizes sex between men.
Singapore’s largest opposition party, the Workers’ Party, issued a statement in response to the prime minister’s speech, recognizing “the fundamental right of people to live free from fear and discrimination and to be treated equally under the law”. said that
But the statement also said that while Section 377A and other issues surrounding the definition of marriage are important, Singaporeans also face other issues.
“This is a time when high levels of inflation and the cost of living continue to affect Singaporean households, especially those with fixed incomes and lower middle incomes.
I reiterate calls I made in Congress for specific reforms to address these bread and butter concerns. ” said the Labor Party.
On repealing 377A, he said, “I believe this is the right thing to do and most Singaporeans will accept it. I hope it brings some reassurance,” Lee said in his speech.
“Singapore is a pluralistic society of multiple religions, ethnicities, cultures and languages. Mutual accommodation and tolerance are important considerations for legislation in our context,” WP said in a statement.
However, it added, “Alike, we also respect the right of different groups to hold their positions and debate according to their conscience.”
The WP also writes that it plans to participate in parliamentary debates on proposed constitutional changes to repeal Section 377A and marriage, in view of amendments the government is preparing.
The WP also wrote on inflation that there is “room to further strengthen the Singapore dollar to make imports cheaper and sell long-term government bonds to discourage speculative investment.”
Singapore “needs to keep a lid on asset prices,” he added. We spend a temporary period of time helping those among us who are hurting the most. And we fund this by reversing contingent tax revenues. ”
At the same time, the WP reiterated its opposition to any upcoming Goods and Services Tax (GST) hike, saying it would “encourage inflation when it’s totally unnecessary”. /TISG
Labor says it will ‘continue to oppose GST hike’
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