Section 377A, a law which criminalises sex between men in Singapore, has generated much debate over the past month.

Religious stands against repeal

Several religious groups, such as the National Council of Churches of Singapore, the Catholic Archbishop, as well as the Islamic authorities, have articulated their stance on the issue.

These religious groups have listed several negative implications they perceive to arise from the repeal of 377A.

For instance, the Singapore Islamic Scholars & Religious Teachers Association (Pergas) said that a repeal of the law would threaten the importance of the traditional family unit as the foundation of society.

The NCCS also said that the repeal would result in the normalisation and promotion of homosexual behaviour, which in turn would lead to undesirable moral and social consequences.

President of Buddhist Fellowship for repeal

Given the debates surrounding this issue, Singaporeans on both sides of the fence have taken to signing petitions to show support for their cause.

One of the petitions, #Ready4Repeal, has seen a signature from the President of the Buddhist Fellowship, Lim Phang Hong.

Lim, who is featured as a 'Lead Signatory' on the #Ready4Repeal website, quoted the Buddha's teachings in support of repealing of 377A.

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Quoted the Buddha's teachings

Lim mentioned Buddha's "teachings of empathy and compassion for all living beings", and how these teachings encourage "care for all communities regardless of their race, religion, language or sexual orientation".

Given this "spirit of care, empathy and compassion", Lim supports the repealing of 377A.

"We seek to reconcile marginalised communities with society, in a way that promotes respect and harmony across different communities in Singapore and the world," he added.

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Other Buddhist organisations

Buddhism is one of the ten major religions represented in the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) of Singapore.

The Singapore Buddhist Federation, established in 1949, is one of the oldest Singapore Buddhist organisations in Singapore and represents the Buddhists in the IRO.

In Singapore, there are quite a number of Buddhist organisations.

Lim represents one such Buddhist organisation.

According to their website, the Buddhist Fellowship was formed in 1988 with the intent of realising a strong fellowship of Buddhist practitioners who strive to perfect their morality, concentration and wisdom in an environment supported by like-minded individuals.

While Lim has articulated his stand as the President of the Buddhist Fellowship, other Buddhists organisations, such as the Singapore Buddhist Federation and Singapore Soka Association, have not stated their positions.

Top photo adapted from Buddhist Fellowship's Facebook page

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