This is a fully volunteer-run non-profit project to bring easily understandable, sustained, free legal advice on some issues faced by LGBT Couples & Families in Singapore.

The law that criminalises sex between men, section 377A of the Penal Code, remains on the books, and there has been no progress made towards recognising LGBT couples or families (“LGBT Families”) in law. In the present political climate, there is no prospect in the near future of progress on the recognition of LGBT families. However, at the same time, LGBT community is increasingly coming out of the closet, and are living ordinary (but legally unrecognised) lives with their partners and sometimes their children.

Hence, it has become even more important for the LGBT community to know how and why the existing community law applies to their families, and be empowered with the information to protect themselves under the law.

While pro-bono clinics exist and there are even guidebooks for the average person (“Know the Law”, “Teens and the Law”), the needs of the LGBT community are unique and may not be addressed by these avenues. Most LGBT families either do not know any LGBT-friendly (and knowledgeable) lawyers to address their concerns, or cannot afford to seek legal advice for even basic queries. Further, the fear of discrimination (and the fact that homosexuality is still illegal) frequently discourages the use of avenues such as pro-bono clinics and seeking even paid legal advice. Thus, many LGBT Families do not have access to reliable, accurate legal information, and hence, no effective access to justice.

This project aims to publish a legal guidebook for LGBT families to answer questions that come up frequently. This book does not aim to replace legal advice and work rendered by practicing lawyers, but simply provide a starting point that will empower the LGBT reader to take the necessary steps themselves where possible, and seek more detailed advice and legal help where necessary. The following topics are covered in the book “Same but Different: A Legal Guidebook for LGBT Couples & Families in Singapore“:

  1. Marriage, Divorce & Cohabitation Contracts
  2. Property & Financial Issues (Bank Accounts, CPF, Insurance, Taxes)
  3. Wills & Inheritance
  4. Medical Decisions
  5. Children
  6. Miscellaneous (criminal law, domestic abuse, sexual assault, HIV)

Have queries? Read the FAQ here, or contact us.

We also provide a directory of LGBT-friendly lawyers.