SINGAPORE, July 31 — The Government is considering how to safeguard "the current legal position on marriage" from being challenged in the courts, after receiving feedback that most people want the current position on marriage to stay, said Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam yesterday.

"These matters really ought to be discussed in Parliament and decided in Parliament, and not decided in the courts,” he told reporters at the sidelines of community events in Yishun.

Mr Shanmugam was responding to media queries on updates about the Government's review of Section 377A of the Penal Code, which criminalises sex between men.

He said that the Government has had "extensive discussions” with different people including religious leaders, grassroots leaders, Singaporeans from all walks of life, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) groups and more.

He noted that many agree that men who have sex with each other should not be imprisoned, and that gay sex should not be criminalised.

Mr Shanmugam said: "At the same time, most do not want any decriminalisation to cause other major changes.

"In particular, most people that we've spoken with want the current position on marriage to be retained. And the current position is that the law defines marriage as being between a man and a woman.

"People don't want that to change. And people also do not want any change to the current policies that take reference from this definition of marriage,” he added.

Mr Shanmugam said that the Government understands this view and it is "now considering how best to achieve this balance”. He did not elaborate.

"Passions can run high. People genuinely believe in one or another view with great intensity, and we have to try and deal with the issues with an open mind and open heart, avoid extreme positions and avoid extreme demands," he said.

"Move forward. Try and be united. Work on our differences in a calm way, for the sake of Singapore.”

In response to how to make these discussions more constructive and conducive, he said that the Government has made it very clear that it will move in if there is any incitement or call for attacks or running down of any religion, race or group such as the LGBT community. — TODAY