BANGKOK:  The government of Singapor is set to repeal a colonial-era law that criminalises consensual sex between men, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a statement.

During his speech at the annual National Day Rally, Loong said on Sunday  that "The government will repeal section 377A and decriminalise sex between men," "I believe this is the right thing to do and something that most Singaporeans will now accept. This will bring the legislation  into consonant  with current social mores and I hope, provide some relief to gay Singaporeans."

Acts of "gross indecency" between men in the relatively conservative city-state of Singapore are punished by a sentence of up to two years in prison under Section 377A. Despite being on the books of law for a very long time after being introduced by the British under colonial control, the law is rarely really implemented.

The Prime Minister said that his government will continue to "uphold and preserve the institution of marriage" and that the repeal of the law would not "cause a significant shift in our societal values across the board."  "Only legally recognised marriages in Singapore are those between a man and a woman. The government has no plans to alter how marriage is defined "Led by Lee.

The prime minister went on to say  that the constitution of the nation would be changed to prevent same-sex marriage from being declared legal by a judge.

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