Obviously, neither of these rulings finishes the job of achieving marriage equality or an end to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. But DOMA was (was!) a major roadblock on the road towards national marriage equality. And now it isn't.
To all of you who have fought - through protests, phone calls, and by talking to your family and friends about the importance of this issue - thank you. Equality enhances the rights of all, and I truly feel that Jacob's and my marriage benefits from this ruling as well. The Federal benefits we receive as a married couple are now available to (at least some of) our friends who were previously denied them - and that is good.
Of course, this is all in the United States. Which is not where I'm living.
So what about Singapore? Marriage equality happening here any time soon?
No.
Ok - before I begin, I want to add this caveat: I'm not Singaporean, I haven't lived in the country very long, and I know very little about the history of LGBT rights or legislation in this country. So this is what I've learned through conversation and brief searches on the internet. (And, hey, because I LOVE my employment visa, I'll add that I recognize that Singapore is sovereign and Singaporean citizens get to decide these matters, not upstart expats like me. Hope that covers it, thanks!)
Here is a summary from Wikipedia, outlining Singapore's stance on homosexuality and homosexual individuals:
| Same-sex sexual activity legal |  for female, for male |
| Equal age of consent | for female |
| Laws offering protection for homosexuality in employment | |
| Laws offering protection for homosexuality in the provision of goods and services | |
| Laws offering protection for homosexuality in all other areas (incl. indirect discrimination, "hate speech") | |
| Same-sex civil union(s) | |
| Recognition of same-sex couples | |
| Adoption by same-sex couples | |
| Gays allowed to serve in the military | / |
| Right to change legal gender | |
Men cannot legally engage in sexual activities, or 'acts of gross indecency' with other men. This crime is punishable by up to 2 years in prison. Interestingly, this law does not apply to lesbian women, which is a bit baffling. One explanation I've heard is that it is more a denial of the idea that lesbian exist, or that these acts take place - I don't know if it is true, but it is interesting. I have also heard that these laws are rarely enforced nowadays. This sounds quite similar to laws that were in place in many States until recently (and may still exist in some places on a county level? Not sure on this). Our policeman friend here in Singapore did mention that in previous decades these laws were enforced, to the point of undercover police officers baiting potentially gay men and then busting them. (That's an anecdotal story - I don't have any evidence backing that up. In case you can't tell, I'm trying to stick to the facts and not misrepresent anything!)
Servicemen can be demoted, classified as medically unfit, punished, and outed to their parents if they are discovered to be gay or 'effeminate.'
Openly gay men (and presumably women, though I didn't see that specifically written) can hold some civil service (government) jobs, though they are barred from holding 'sensitive positions,' whichever those are.
I do find it interesting that Singaporeans have the legal right to change gender.
But as we know, outlawing something - especially people! - does not make them disappear. It may send them underground, but of course there are homosexual individuals in Singapore.
There is also a growing movement aimed at changing the tide. Pink Dot - a play on the term 'Red Dot' often used to refer to Singapore, which shows up as just a tiny dot on maps - is: "a non-profit movement started by a group of individuals who care deeply about the place that LGBT Singaporeans call home. It is a group for everyone, straight and gay, who support the belief that everyone deserves the freedom to love. With openness and acceptance, we hope to bring LGBT Singaporeans closer to their family and friends." More simply put, Pink Dot supports the freedom to love.
Each year, Pink Dot holds an 'event' - NOT a protest, but a legally sanctioned event at Hong Lim Park, which is the area the city has designated for free speech. Pink Dot 2013 is coming up this weekend - though sadly, we'll be out of town. Pink Dot encourages anyone and everyone to come down to the park to mingle, eat, hang out - and wear pink for the symbolic formation of the Pink Dot. The event began in 2009 with 4,000 supporters - and was attended by more than 15,000 people in 2012. Here's hoping 2013's Pink Dot continues that growth! |
| And 2012 wasn't even included in this series - my guess is because it was too big for one photo! |
According to our friends Garrett and Mara, it was pretty awesome to watch in 2012. Yes - I deliberately say 'watch,' as in 'watch but not participate.' You see, Hong Lim Park's extension of protected free speech only goes so far as to cover citizens and permanent residents. Jacob and I are here at the pleasure of the Singaporean government, and we really value our green Employment Passes, so we play by the rules. We are forbidden from taking part in protests or any sort of agitation (as I'd put it). On their website though, Pink Dot includes a section for foreigners, explaining what we can and cannot do, how we can and can not participate - helpful!
In perusing Pink Dot's website, I am most struck by the emphasis on family values. Singapore is a conservative society that places a strong emphasis on the family unit. Pink Dot provides this helpful and, in my opinion, beautiful explanation in their Q&A section - one that reminds me of some aspects of the DOMA ruling handed down yesterday.
Q: Does this event go against my pro-family beliefs?
A: This is a pro-family event. LGBT individuals have got families too! However, familial relationships often get compromised due to a lack of understanding. Through this event, we hope to get people thinking about the issues commonly faced by the LGBT community, both inside and outside of their families – issues that many Singaporeans take for granted. We believe that an event like this can play an important part in promoting understanding and unity amongst family and friends.
A: This is a pro-family event. LGBT individuals have got families too! However, familial relationships often get compromised due to a lack of understanding. Through this event, we hope to get people thinking about the issues commonly faced by the LGBT community, both inside and outside of their families – issues that many Singaporeans take for granted. We believe that an event like this can play an important part in promoting understanding and unity amongst family and friends.
LGBT individuals have got families too! And recognizing their relationships as valid and important can strengthen communities. Singapore has not had the same national discussion as the U.S., and the sea-change we've seen in America in the past decade has not been seen here. But there are individuals taking up the cause - and that is the start.
Want to feel even more uplifted? Watch Macklemore & Lewis' Same Love:
