Singapore's Constitution sets a very high bar for the holding of referendums, so care must be exercised about letting the definition of marriage be decided via a national referendum as suggested by the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), said Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli on Tuesday.
He added that it is the duty of elected MPs to consult, discuss and come to a decision, even and perhaps especially for difficult and polarising social issues.
The Republic has held only one referendum in 1962, on the merger with Malaysia - he said in Parliament during the second reading of the Constitutional (Amendment) Bill, adding that under the Constitution, a referendum is required when sovereignty, or the command of its armed forces and police, is at stake.
Mr Masagos was speaking in response to a proposal on Monday by Non-Constituency MP Hazel Poa of the opposition PSP that wants the definition of marriage to be decided via a national referendum rather than by Parliament.
He described it as "an attempt to avoid taking a position, as parliamentarians, as elected representatives of the people".
He reminded PSP of what happened in the United Kingdom with Brexit, where both sides campaigned vigorously and bitterly, creating and entrenching polarised identities.
In response, Ms Poa said PSP has shown its ability to make difficult decisions, such as its decision to support the repeal of Section 377A.
On the definition of marriage, she said given the high level of interest from the public, and that it is not an area requiring specialised knowledge, it would be an issue suitable for the public to participate in.
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