When I Was Young

Channel NewsAsia - Saturday, May 16

Homosexual groups, pro—family groups call for tolerance on gay issue

SINGAPORE : Homosexual groups and pro—family groups may not see eye—to—eye on sexuality, but many in both camps agree with Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng’s call for tolerance and accommodation on the subject.

The AWARE saga brought many divisive issues to the forefront, and sociologists doubt these will be resolved despite their airing.

Associate Professor Paulin Straughan, a sociologist, said: "In a conflict, where values are involved, there is never a win—win situation. If you push on one side, the other side would have to retreat. So then you force the polarity, I don’t think that is very healthy.

"When you have these kinds of heated exchanges, especially when it goes into cyberspace under the cover of anonymity, strong words are heard, and there is always the danger that you push somebody who is normally apathetic to take a stand. And at the end of the day, it does polarise."

This is one reason why analysts said the government decided to give a response.

DPM Wong said that while Singapore is a conservative society, homosexuals are entitled to their private lives. He stressed the importance for different groups to live and let live — a view welcomed by many, including homosexuals.

Said Stuart Koe, CEO of gay portal Fridae.com: "The gay community is pro—family. We have families. We love our families and our families love us. But as a result of what’s been happening in the press and the public media, a lot of abuse and offensive words have been hurled with impunity and I think the people around us are quite hurt about that.

"I’m really concerned that the pendulum in Singapore seems to have swung so far to the right. What he (DPM Wong) said to the press is very important because it is what brings Singapore to the centre. That is very heartening for the gay community to hear because we feel like we are being cornered.

Dr Carol Balhetchet, director of Youth Services at the Singapore Children’s Society said: "I agree with the government that the two critical values we need to have is respect and tolerance. Just as much as the small conservative group’s views should not be forced on the mainstream, similarly, the liberal’s views should not be forced on the rest of us."

And all said it’s important to agree to disagree. — CNA /ls

From Yahoo! News; see the source article here.