Collective of Islamic scholars in S'pore "rejects" any attempt to repeal Section 377A

But it also urged Muslims to be extend kindness, mercy and good manners in discussions on the issue.

Jeanette Tan | September 20, 2018, 03:43 PM

On the back of the National Council of Christian Churches releasing a statement, and Singapore's Catholic Archbishop sending an open letter to his flock, a group of Islamic scholars and religious teachers spoke out on Wednesday in support of keeping Section 377A.

In a three-page statement posted both in English and Malay, the Singapore Islamic Scholars & Religious Teachers Association (truncated as Pergas) said clearly that it does not support "the attempt to repeal Section 377A of the Penal Code".

"This stance is based not only on religious grounds, but also due to our concern towards moral and social values, that can affect the family institution as well as the fabric of society."

Lists negative implications

In the statement, Pergas listed four negative implications it perceives will arise from the repeal of the controversial law:

1) It will threaten the importance of the traditional family unit as the foundation of society

2) It will affirm and normalise the LGBTQ lifestyle, which to them is in conflict with the government's policy of building strong family units to strengthen the fabric of society. Also, this conflicts with the view of the majority of Singaporeans, citing a recent survey that found only 12 per cent of those surveyed were in favour of repealing Section 377A.

3) It will cause confusion among the younger generation regarding morality and moral values, and

4) It will impact the country's population growth, which it perceives to be of concern to the government.

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Important to uphold values of humanity

That being said, Pergas stressed that it is also important for the community to "extend kindness" and be "filled with mercy" in their relationship "with those from the LGBTQ community".

"Hence, one should never isolate, exclude nor insult those who feel they belong to the LGBTQ community. Instead, Pergas call upon Muslims to approach them with kindness, and to support them to return to the true teachings of Islam..."

It also urged the Muslim community to "maintain good manners and act wisely" in discussion of the issue of Section 377A.

"Avoid insulting others, nor belittling others, as well as their opinions. In voicing our aspirations, concerns and opinions, Pergas hope that we can all spread the spirit of Islam that strongly emphasises good character."

Here is its full statement below:

Hong Kong moves to recognise same sex marriages in spousal visas

Meanwhile, over in Hong Kong, its local government announced on Tuesday it would grant spousal visas to foreigners in same- and opposite-sex marriages, civil unions and civil partnerships registered in other countries.

This change, according to the South China Morning Post, was triggered by a local Court of Final Appeal ruling in July that granted a married British lesbian a spousal visa after what was described as a "long legal battle".

The decision triggered a review that culminated in the policy change, SCMP reported. However, opponents of LGBTQ rights reportedly also called on the government to ensure the amendment did not lead to more rights being granted to homosexual couples, as officials assured them it would not.

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Top photo via Pergas Singapore Facebook page