Singaporean challenging gay sex legislation praises judges grappling with ‘delicate legal situation’



a group of people posing for the camera: Johnson Ong with lawyers Eugene Thuraisingam, Suang Wijaya, Joel Wong, and Johannes Hadi at Monday’s hearing. Photo: Johnson Ong/Facebook


Johnson Ong with legal professionals Eugene Thuraisingam, Suang Wijaya, Joel Wong, and Johannes Hadi at Monday’s listening to. Picture: Johnson Ong/Fb

One particular of the a few Singaporeans complicated the gay sex regulation yesterday praised the 5 attractiveness court judges who read their arguments for getting them critically.

Nearby DJ Johnson Ong, 44, who was represented by substantial-profile attorney Eugene Thuraisingam, praised the judges for asking tough concerns and making certain everyone’s voice was listened to whilst reflecting on the listening to that took position. 

“There have been moments of spirited exchanges concerning the justices and counsels, together with with counsel from [Attorney-General’s Chambers],” Ong wrote afterward. 

Ong and two others have been pleasing the high court’s 2020 selection to uphold Section 377A of the Penal Code, generally regarded as the homosexual sex legislation, which bans “acts of gross indecency” involving guys. 

He felt they bought a fair hearing.

“What struck me about today was the robustness of our judicial method, the higher common of lawful discourse and I felt the genuineness of our justices definitely grappling with a really delicate authorized situation, that is 377A, and truly trying to see issues (and some rough questioning) from the issue of watch of all the parties included,” he included.

The hearing was presided by Main Justice Sundaresh Menon and appeals court judges Andrew Phang, Judith Prakash, Steven Chong and Tay Yong Kwang. A day for their ruling has nevertheless to be declared. 

Between the arguments made in court docket was that S377A exclusively utilized to gay gentlemen, all of whom have been at possibility of prosecution even however the legislation has not been systemically enforced. People uncovered guilty of violating it can be jailed for up to two decades. 

The other two appellants were being retired medical professional Roy Tan, who was represented by M Ravi and Gabriel Rafferty of Carson Legislation Chambers, and Bryan Choong, the former main of an LGBT nonprofit advocacy group. He was represented by Harpreet Nehal Singh SC from Audent Chambers. 

Yesterday’s hearings commenced at 10am and lasted numerous hours. The judges will problem their ruling at a afterwards date. 

“I know many of you are extremely anxious as to the consequence. The listening to is now concluded and the court of appeal has reserved judgment. That indicates the court docket can take a several weeks to numerous months to issue a selection,” Ong mentioned. 

This report, Singaporean tough gay intercourse law praises judges grappling with ‘delicate lawful situation’, originally appeared on Coconuts, Asia’s major substitute media corporation.