ST Online Forum: Homosexuality: we need to protect our Asian values (Jul 21)

July 21, 2007
Homosexuality: we need to protect our Asian values

I REFER to the discussion on homosexuality on Talkback (938 Live) with guest
MP Mr Baey Yam Keng on the morning of July 18.

Like an overwhelming majority of the callers, I am against decriminalising
homosexuality.

I question the reason for the Government's push towards acceptance of
homosexuality. It is a fact that homosexuals are presently not hindered by
the law. The authorities do not make arrests related to this matter as long
as it is consensual and done in privacy.

Therefore decriminalising homosexuality really does not make any practical
difference to the homosexuals.

Mr Baey mentioned that the Government is trying to keep up with the changing
world landscape. But since when has the Singapore Government taken this
stance?

We have always taken pride in the view that Singapore cannot simply follow
other nations. We set our own rules and policies due to our unique context
and circumstances.

Our Internal Security Act, the ban on chewing gum and the death penalty are
all examples of how we are different from other nations. Why are we singing
a different tune in this case?

By decriminalising homosexuality, the Government is in fact promoting it. It
is sending out the message that 'there is nothing wrong with homosexuality
and homosexual sex acts'.

This is a very strong signal that will encourage many more people,
especially children and youths, to try out homosexuality as an alternative
lifestyle. I shudder to think of the consequences.

If we do not check ourselves, we will soon have pornography in the
newsstands, sex shows on TV, sleazy shows and strip clubs in town. Is that
the kind of Singapore we can bring our children up in?

I urge our government leaders to respect our Asian values, principles and,
most of all, the views of its very own citizens and what it calls
'stakeholders' .

Brian Tan Cheow Eng