Singapore – Sexual Conduct Law
Criminal provisions, penalties, and historical context
📜 Penalties at a Glance – Singapore
| Offence | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Rape (Penal Code s.375) | 8 years + caning | 20 years or life + caning |
| Sex with Minor under 16 (s.376A–C) | 6 years | 20 years + caning |
| Outrage of Modesty (Molestation) (s.354) | Fine | 2 years + caning |
| Sex Work – Soliciting | Fine | 1 year |
| Brothel Keeping (s.146) | Fine | 5 years |
| Public Indecency (s.294) | Fine | 3 months |
Overview
Singapore’s sexual conduct laws are rooted in the Penal Code (Cap. 224) and Women’s Charter. They emphasise consent, protection of minors, public morality, and strict regulation of sex work. Enforcement is known to be tough, with corporal punishment (caning) applied to certain sexual offences.
Age of Consent
The age of consent is 16. Sexual activity with a person under 16 is a serious offence, even if consensual. For commercial sex, the minimum age is 18.
Key Provisions & Punishments
- Rape (s.375): 8–20 years or life imprisonment plus caning.
- Statutory Rape (s.376A–C): Applies to victims under 16; severe penalties including caning.
- Outrage of Modesty (s.354): Commonly used for groping/molestation; up to 2 years plus caning.
- Sex Work: Licensed brothels exist under police oversight; street solicitation is illegal.
- Same-Sex Acts: Male same-sex intercourse decriminalised in 2022; age of consent equalised at 16.
Public Decency Laws
Acts of indecency in public (s.294) can result in fines or imprisonment. Singaporean courts interpret public order broadly, meaning even semi-private acts in cars or stairwells may attract charges.
Historical Context
Until 2022, section 377A of the Penal Code criminalised sex between men, with up to 2 years’ imprisonment. Though rarely enforced in later years, it remained on the books until Parliament repealed it. Caning for sexual crimes has existed since colonial times and continues today.
Regional Comparison
| Jurisdiction | Age of Consent | Rape Penalty | Sex Work | Same-Sex Acts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 16 (18 for commercial) | 8–20 years + caning | Licensed brothels only | Legal since 2022 |
| Malaysia | 16 | 5–30 years + caning | Illegal | Illegal |
| Indonesia | 16 (varies) | Up to 12 years | Tolerated in some areas | Legal, except Aceh |
| Thailand | 15 | 4–20 years | Illegal but widely tolerated | Legal |
🚫 Common Tourist Mistakes
- Approaching street workers: Soliciting is illegal; police conduct stings.
- Assuming “consensual” means legal: If the person is under 16, strict liability applies.
- Engaging in public acts: Even in cars or hotel balconies, charges may follow.
- Confusing tolerance with legality: Licensed brothels operate, but unlicensed activity is criminalised.
- Disrespecting modesty laws: Touching without consent can lead to outrage of modesty charges, often with caning.
Insider & Academic Commentary
“Singapore enforces sexual offence laws rigorously, and even minor molestation charges may result in caning.” — Criminal lawyer, Singapore
“Section 377A’s repeal was symbolic; broader equality remains limited in family law.” — Legal scholar, NUS
References
Singapore Statutes Online. (2025). Penal Code (Cap. 224).
Singapore Statutes Online. (2025). Women’s Charter (Cap. 353).
Parliament of Singapore. (2022). Debate on repeal of section 377A.
Human Rights Watch. (2023). Singapore: Decriminalisation of same-sex relations.