In our Westminster Parliamentary system, Parties must have a view on important questions that come before Parliament, said Mr Shanmugam.
They want full judicial review without restriction to be made available to Article 156 (4) which protects the ability of Parliament and the Government to make laws and policies.
These are: (1) the heterosexual definition of marriage, and (2) the ability of Parliament and Government to make laws and policies based on this definition.
Ms Lim’s and Ms He’s position would mean that they accept that the courts can strike down the heterosexual definition of marriage, or to curtail the ability of Parliament and Government to make laws and policies based on this definition, and for society to live with the consequences after that, Minister Shanmugam said.
The Whip does not prevent MPs from speaking their minds
That explanation is factually untrue.

2 reasons for repealing 377A
The first reason
It is the right thing to do. In Singapore, for a conduct to be a crime, there should generally be a public order or public interest issue. There are no public concerns that justify private consensual sex between men being a crime. It humiliates and hurts gay people. Most gay people do not cause harm to others. They just want to live peacefully and quietly, and be accepted as part of society, the same as any other Singaporean.
The second reason
What does WP propose to do?
Leaving Singaporeans to face the consequences
This is because the Courts can only make binary decisions.

In Conclusion
Quoting Winston Churchill, Mr Shanmugam said: “They are decided, only to be undecided; resolved, only to be irresolute.”
The Government has consulted widely and has come to a position.
“We believe that our policy offers a way forward. It balances the different views, maintains our social cohesion, keeps us together. PM and DPM Wong have stated clearly that they will maintain this position. On this difficult matter, we will do our duty and take responsibility for holding society together,” said Mr Shanmugam.