Singapore will decriminalize sex between men by repealing a colonial-era statute but will amend the constitution to ensure same-sex marriage is not allowed, ABC News reported.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he believed repealing the law is the "right thing to do now," as most Singaporeans will now accept decriminalization.
However, during his speech at the annual National Day Rally, Lee vowed the repeal will be limited and not alter Singapore's traditional family and societal norms. including how marriage is defined, what children are taught in schools, what is shown on television and how items are conducted in public.
He added the government will amend the constitution to ensure that there can be no constitutional challenge to allow same-sex marriage. "Even as we repeal Section 377A [which was introduced under British colonial rule in the 1930s], we will uphold and safeguard the institution of marriage," Lee said.