September 2018

Public Support Split on Section 377A of Photo by Greg Jeanneau on Unsplash By Robert McPhedran Key Findings

One in three Singaporeans say they are more  55% of all Singaporeans supported Section 377A of accepting of same-sex relationships than they the Singapore Penal Code, were five years ago, but 55% of all while 12% opposed. Singaporeans still support Section 377A of the  28% agreed with the statement ‘I believe that Singapore Penal Code. Singaporeans should be able to participate in same-sex relationships’, while 38% July 22nd, 2018 marked the 10th year of Pink Dot SG, a not-for-profit movement disagreed. organised to raise awareness of, and support for, the , , bisexual,  33% agreed with the and queer (LGBTQ) community in Singaporei. statement ‘I am more Since the inception of the movement in 2009, interest in and discussion accepting of same-sex relationships than I was five regarding LGBTQ issues in Singapore has gradually increased over time. (See years ago’, while 35% Figure 1). disagreed. Figure 1: search volume index for the search topic ‘Same -sex relationship’ and search term ‘Section 377A’, Singaporeii. *Index represents search volume in Singapore, with numbers indicating interest relative to the highest point on the chart. A score of 100 denotes maximum search volume, while a score of 50 denotes half the maximum search volume.

“any male person who, in public or private, commits, or abets the commission of, or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any male person of, any act of gross indecency with another male person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years.” Section 377A of the Penal Code of Singapore

One key topic within many of these discussions is Section 377A of the Penal Code of Singapore. Section 377A reads: “any male person who, in public or private, commits, or abets the commission of, or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any male person of, any act of gross indecency with another male person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years.”iii

In February 2017, Prime Minister was asked for his personal stance on Section 377A in an interview with BBC journalist Stephen Sackur.

“My personal view is that if I don't have a problem – this is an uneasy compromise – I am prepared to live with it until social attitudes change.”iv

Until now, there has not been any research into the normative attitudes of Singaporeans towards Section 377A. On this basis, in July - August 2018, Ipsos Public Affairs ran a nationally representative online survey of n=750 Singaporean Citizens and Permanent Residents in which respondents were asked about their attitudes.

Results of this survey follow.

2 Support for Section 377A of the Penal Code

When asked the extent to which they supported or opposed Section 377A of the Penal Code, more than half of all Singaporeans (55%) indicated that they supported the Section, while 12% indicated that they opposed. Levels of support varied according to gender, with males significantly more likely to have ‘strongly’ supported Section 377A (30%) than females (23%). Sentiment also differed by respondents’ age:  those aged 15-24 years were significantly more likely to have opposed the Section (30%); and  those aged 55-65 were significantly more likely to have supported the Section (63%).

Chart 1: Support and opposition for Section 377A of the Penal Code

Total Support (%) 55% 58% 52% 33% 53% 62% 59% 63%

1% 3% 2% 3% 3% 2% 4% 4% 2% Prefer not to say 6% 7% 5% 6% 4% 5% 2% 4% 3% 5% 6% 4% 15% 5%

Strongly oppose 16% 28% 32% 28% 31% 26% 36% 34%

Somewhat oppose

34% 30% 27% 27% 32% Neither support nor 28% 27% oppose 28%

Somewhat support 23% 30% 33% 32% 30% 27% 23% 26% Strongly support 10%

Total Male Female 15-24 y.o. 25-34 y.o. 35-44 y.o. 45-54 y.o. 55-65 y.o.

Same-Sex Relationships

Respondents were also asked to indicate the extent to which they agreed or disagreed with the statement ‘I believe that Singaporeans should be able to participate in same-sex relationships’. Results once again differed according to the age of respondents (see Chart 2):  those aged 15-24 years were significantly more likely to have agreed with the statement (56%); and  those aged 55-65 were significantly more likely to have disagreed with the statement (52%).

3 Chart 2: Agreement and disagreement with the statement ‘I believe that Singaporeans should be able to participate in same- sex relationships’

Total Agree (%) 28% 27% 28% 56% 26% 22% 22% 17%

2% 1% 3% 3% 2% Prefer not to say 7% 4% 21% 23% 24% 10% 18% 26% 21% Strongly disagree 38% 17% 27% 16% 15% 13% 15% 19% Somewhat disagree 14% Neither agree nor 33% 34% 32% 36% 36% 36% 35% disagree 29% Somewhat agree 19% 18% 20% 18% 16% 15% 20% 13% Strongly agree 9% 7% 10% 8% 6% 7% 4% Total Male Female 15-24 y.o. 25-34 y.o. 35-44 y.o. 45-54 y.o. 55-65 y.o.

Normative attitudes towards same-sex relationships

In order to determine whether the normative attitudes of Singaporeans towards same-sex relationships are changing over time, respondents were asked the extent to which they agreed or disagreed with the statements ‘I am more accepting of same-sex relationships than I was five years ago’ and ‘Most Singaporeans are more accepting of same-sex relationships than they were five years ago’. As Chart 3 shows, one third (33%) of Singaporeans agreed that they are more accepting of same-sex relationships than they were five years ago, while 35% disagreed. Agreement varied according to respondents’ educational attainment and age: those with lower levels of educational attainment (High School education or lower) and older Singaporeans (aged 55-65) were more likely to have disagreed that they are ‘more accepting’ than they were in the past.

Chart 3: Agreement and disagreement with the statement ‘I am more accepting of same-sex relationships than I was five years ago’

Total Agree (%) 33% 24% 37% 36% 59% 32% 24% 33% 23%

2% 1% 1% 2% 2% 2% 2% Prefer not to say 4% 5% 20% 19% 21% 21% 21% 12% 20% 22% 32% Strongly disagree 14% 10% 14% 15% 23% 13% 17% 21% 16% Somewhat disagree 30% 30% 26% 35% 30% 33% 33% 33% 26% Neither agree nor disagree 26% 24% 30% 23% 24% 16% Somewhat agree 26% 22% 21% 9% 9% 11% 9% 9% 7% 2% 2% Strongly agree Total High school Junior Degree or 15-24 y.o. 25-34 y.o. 35-44 y.o. 45-54 y.o. 55-65 y.o. or lower College/ Pre- higher U + Polytechnic Still, not all of the respondents who agreed that they were more accepting of same-sex A few responses to ‘Why relationships than they were five years ago, are of the opinion that ‘Singaporeans are you more accepting should be able to participate in same-sex relationships’. There were 31% of these of same-sex respondents who neither agreed nor disagreed, and 7% disagreed to this statement. relationships than you These findings indicate that attitudes towards this issue have changed—and are likely were in the past?’ to continue to change—albeit at a slow pace.

Chart 4: Agreement and disagreement with the statement ‘I believe that Singaporeans Shifts in social norms (locally should be able to participate in same-sex relationships’ by those who say ‘I am more and globally) accepting of same-sex relationships than I was five years ago’ “The world is changing and we must learn to adapt 1% along. I feel that regardless of what other people's sexual 7% preference/orientation is, as Strongly + Somewhat agree long as they mind their own business it is fine.” Neither agree nor disagree Male, 21 31%

Strongly+ Somewhat disagree Increased discussion on 61% social media Prefer not to say “More people are willing to share their feelings online (which) makes me realise how suffocated they feel being the ‘un-normal’ people. Everyone should have the right to love anyone, sex Respondents who agreed that they are more accepting of same-sex relationships than should not be an issue.” they were five years ago were also asked to provide the reason(s) for increased Female, 23 acceptance.

For most, their change in mind-set was due to perceptions of: shifts in Singapore’s social norms with respect to this issue; increased conversation on social media; and More exposure to same-sex more direct exposure to same-sex relationships. relationships “I see more of the people I know of the Perception of our Fellow Singaporeans closet, and I have come to accept genetically that's the When asked the extent to which they agreed with the statement ‘Most Singaporeans way they are, not by choice are more accepting of same-sex relationships than they were five years ago’, four in at birth.” ten respondents (42%) agreed. Male, 45 Levels of agreement once again differed according to education and age: those with higher levels of educational attainment (Degree or higher) and younger Singaporeans were significantly more likely to have agreed that most Singaporeans are ‘more accepting’.

5 Chart 5: Agreement with the statement ‘Most Singaporeans are more accepting of same-sex relationships than they were five years ago’

0% 1% 2% 2% 1% 0% 2% 2% 2% 10% 8% 12% 11% Prefer not to say 11% 9% 9% 11% 14% 15% 13% 14% 8% 15% 18% 19% Strongly disagree 19% 33% 30% 33% Somewhat disagree 32% 33% 39% 25% 36% 28% Neither agree nor disagree 41% 39% 35% Somewhat agree 35% 35% 38% 27% 31% 33%

Strongly agree 13% 11% 7% 6% 7% 8% 4% 4% 4% High Pre U Degree or 15-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-65 school or higher lower Total Education level Age

This research indicates that the normative values of Singaporeans with respect to LGBTQ issues are gradually shifting. As has occurred in other countries globally, increased dialogue regarding same-sex relationships has contributed to higher acceptance among Singaporeans. This is particularly the case for the younger generation. Nonetheless, as PM Lee has previously noted, a social consensus remains far from being reached.

A few responses to ‘Why are you more accepting of same-sex relationships than you were in the past?’

Shifts in social norms (locally and globally) More exposure to same-sex relationships “In the past, it was very much a taboo and because of “I have been exposed to the inequality faced by the the older generations constantly mentioning about the LGBT community during my tertiary education as well negatives of same-sex relationship. But across the years, as meeting people from the community makes me feel I've come to know people in this category, and they are that there isn't anything inherently wrong except that like every other normal human being, seeking their it opposed the social norm” happiness and (they are) really nice and sociable Female, 24 people. So why should we deny them their happiness

and shun them away just because they are slightly Increased discussion on social media different? That's what changed my thoughts and made “I've heard more about same-sex relationships since a me more accepting of them.” few years ago (e.g. learning about Pink Dot), and it Male, 27 made me empathise with them more, as it is often frowned upon, despite homosexuality/ being completely normal.” Female, 18

6 About the Study

Questions: C1. Section 377A of the Singapore penal code states that:

“Any male person who, in public or private, commits, or abets the commission of, or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any male person of, any act of gross indecency with another male person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 2 years.”

To what extent do you support or oppose this Section?

C2. And to what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements …  I believe that Singaporeans should be able to participate in same-sex relationships  I am more accepting of same-sex relationships than I was five years ago  Most Singaporeans are more accepting of same-sex relationships than they were five years ago

C2b. Why are you more accepting of same-sex relationships than you were in the past?

Methodology: Fieldwork dates: 30 July 2018 – 2 August 2018 Sample size: n=750 respondents Sample: Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, aged 15-65 Method: Online Statistical reliability: ±4.1% is the maximum margin of sampling error that might apply to this sample (based on a Bayesian Credible Interval) Analysis: The data has been weighted by age, gender and ethnicity to reflect the population distribution

Contact: Robert McPhedran, Associate Research Director [email protected] +65 6501 9806

References: i Pink Dot SG (2018). About Pink Dot SG; accessed 25/8/2018 at https://pinkdot.sg/about-pink-dot-sg/. ii Google (2018). Google Trends; accessed 23/8/2018 at https://trends.google.com/trends/ iii National Library Board (2010). Penal Code section 377A; accessed 23/8/2018 at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/ articles/SIP_1639_2010-01-31.html iv Prime Minister’s Office (2017). PM Lee Hsien Loong was interviewed by Mr Stephen Sackur for BBC's HARDtalk on 23 February 2017; accessed 24/8/2018 at https://www.pmo.gov.sg/newsroom/pm-lee-hsien-loongs-interview--hardtalk

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