The Health Promotion Board's (HPB) publication of Frequently Asked Questions (SINGAPORE’S HEATH PROMOTION BOARD’S FAQ ON HOMOSEXUALITY… IS ACTUALLY VERY GOOD) on sexuality has drawn plenty of responses from the public.
I, too, am concerned over the content and timing of its posting.
First, the HPB clearly takes the stand that homosexuality, which also implies homosexual acts, is normal, healthy and not much different from heterosexuality.
While there are studies that support this, there are others that show otherwise.
Also, homosexuality is a topic that extends beyond science and biology into the moral and religious realms.
By taking a stand, the HPB is showing insensitivity and disregard towards a significant portion of the population who hold a differing view.
Second, the HPB's stand contradicts Section 377A of the Penal Code, which criminalises sex between men.
This law is being challenged in the courts, and it is not prudent for the HPB to come out with its official stand at this point in time.
The contentious issue has the potential to create serious fault lines in society, and the HPB should exercise more caution when dealing with it.
In multicultural and multi-religious Singapore, I would propose that issues regarding human sexuality - from handling homosexual issues to sexuality education in schools - be handled by a special agency that looks at it from a broader and more balanced perspective, taking into consideration the moral and religious aspects.
Edmund Augustine Loh Siew Kuan
*This article first appeared in the Straits Times' Forum