Gay couple file challenge to Singapore law that criminalizes gay sex

SINGAPORE – A gay couple have filed a constitutional challenge aimed at repealing a Singapore law that criminalizes gay sex.

Activists say the government has become more tolerant recently toward gays and lesbians, but under Singapore law, gay sex is deemed "an act of gross indecency," punishable by up to two years in jail.

Gary Lim and Kenneth Chee filed their challenge Friday. Chee said they did so because "I know that section 377A labels me a criminal."

The case comes after a man was arrested in August for having sex with another man in a public toilet. When he applied to have the law declared unconstitutional as it violated his right to personal liberty, the charge was changed to a law governing obscene acts in a public place.