We’ve heard this time and time again, and the notion that if we want the nation to grow then we should not discrimminate against races, sexuality and what not. This is also true for the induction of foreign talent, which has proved to be as hotly debated as the issue on homosexuality.
Here’s an extract off the ST Forums-
We cannot afford to wait for conservative views to change before dropping laws against gays
I refer to your report, ‘S’pore must stay connected globally to grow’. (Aug 31)
Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew cited the homosexual issue again and re-affirmed his positive views on the issue after what we can always expect was very careful study and analysis.
His need to balance the interests of different groups in our pluralistc society is appreciated.
The interesting fact that emerges in his interview with the International Herald Tribune is that China, Hong Kong and Taiwan have ‘allowed and accepted gays’.
He is convinced that it is a matter of time before Singapore follows suit.
But the question is how much time.
The headline of this article states that Singapore must stay connected globally to grow.
Growth is essential, but can we afford to wait, or grow slowly?
We have a conservative sector of our population, but they should not hold back the growth of our nation. They should not impede the progress of the country in becoming a world-class society.
Allowing and accepting gays is necessary and shows respect for the laws of the country.
To have a law and not enforce it can only mean that it is redundant and must be removed from the statute books as soon as possible. The rationale of keeping the law to satisfy the conservative minority brings the legal system into disrepute.
It is simply not right to label a minority of the population criminals because they were born homosexual. What makes the consensual same-sex sexual act a criminal offence?
All the allegations about irresponsible sexual acts apply to consensual opposite-sex acts as well.
We can ill-afford to wait and watch the world progress ahead of us. We need to stay ahead of our competitors in attracting foreign talent and foreign investment.
MM Lee has warned us of our nation’s vulnerablities. We have been able to overcome one crisis to another thus far.
Let us stay connected and continue to grow. We cannot retain a fishing-village mentality in the 21st century.
Let us work together in harmony irrespective of race, creed, gender and sexual orientation to make pluralistic Singapore a continued success.
Dr Yap Kim Hao
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The last time the same notion was discussed, someone wrote a reply to the lines of “lawyers, dancers, actors are also creative people. Some also do drugs. Should we decrimminilize drugs then?”. The author has missed the point, but he does have a point too. Based on that (referring to section 377) should the act be decrimminilized? First of all, is there any relationship between social acceptance and decrimminilisation? Yes and no. You may accept the fact that there are homosexuals around us, and they contribute a lot to the nation too. But it does not imply you agree they should exist. It is 2 different things. And then the sexual act comes into question. Agree and accept?
We look at the broader picture. Basically I feel it is fair to suggest that, if one agrees (not accept) an act then it should not be a crimminal act.
The government has stated that it will not enforce that section actively. Fair enough. It is good that the government has taken a stand. Yes, some people may not like it (eg, the compulsory buying of annuities) but over time it will settle down. Actually, I feel that the government has been going quite well in letting us have our space. Think about how much they could have clamped things down. I believe we all need to co-exist. Regardless of race, religion or sexuality.
The problem is, we can’t really co-exist that well in terms of race and religion. We are doing okay but we aint perfect. No country is. Are we asking too much when it comes to sexuality? I say it is about getting used to. Guys who hold hands attract stares. Let them get used to it. As mystique says, “because we shouldn’t have to”, when asked why she does not shapeshift into something more beautiful and accepting. Why should we hide? Don’t flaunt, but don’t hide either. There is no reason why we should stand out (we aint all that great and marvellous) nor should we hide (it is not like we should not see the daylight). I represent myself and myself only, not the community. There are many minority groups struggling for acceptance. Like the transsexuals and the others. All these groups want, is to be able to be themselves. I do not think it is that much to ask. Unfortunately when it comes to work, certain industries are flooded with a certain group, while in the others, you hardly see any. I happen to belong to a profession where it is rather rare. So for everyone’s sake, it is best to leave things unsaid. Am just being professional. However out of work clothes, we should never need to hide ourselves.
That being said, if one cannot accept onself for who s(he) is, chances are, no one else around you can either. That is a fact. It is a downward spiral to depression and self-denial and it is not something you ever want to get yourself into. Grow yourself. Grow with your friends and social circle around you. Life a life that you were born to live. You wouldn’t want to live for x number of years, yet feel like you have not lived at all, would you?
