ST Forum: 'Visibly distraught'? Prof was fiery and passionate (Oct 25)

'Visibly distraught'? Prof was fiery and passionate

I REFER to the article, 'Petition to repeal gay sex law sparks heated debate' (ST, Oct 23).

I take issue with the description of Nominated MP Thio Li-Ann as 'visibly distraught'.

I was in the Parliament meeting and noted that she dealt with several points succinctly, with humour and with passion.

She peppered her arguments with wit, drawing applause from the viewing gallery and getting many MPs thumping their seats. One example was when she said 'we want to be able to say 'Majulah Singapura', not 'Mundur Singapura'' (Onward, Singapore, not backward, Singapore).

Her speech showed up several flaws in the arguments of the pro-repeal camp.

For instance, in response to the pro-repeal camp's description of homosexuals as a disadvantaged minority group, Professor Thio rebutted that 'Singapore law recognises only racial and religious minorities. Special protection is reserved for the poor and disadvantaged. The average homosexual person in Singapore is both well educated, with higher income - that's why upscale-condo developers target them!'.

What I see is a fiery and passionate debater, not a visibly distraught one.

Jenica Chua Chor Ping (Ms)