Decolonizing Singapore’s Sex Laws: Tracing Section 377a of Singapore’s Penal Code

On February 14, 2013 and March 6, 2013, the High Court of Singapore heard two cases challenging the constitutionality of Section 377A, the provision of Singapore’s Penal Code that criminalizes “grossly indecent” acts between men. While Singapore’s executive and legislative branches have overtly stated their intention to keep the provision on the books, the last branch of government, the judiciary, is left with the task of determining whether Section 377A is consistent with Singapore’s constitution, and whether this remnant of Singapore’s colonial past should remain in force. This article will trace the law’s origin, its emergence in Singapore, and the process of deciding its fate