The past week has been a very colorful week for Singapore. In one side we have people wearing pink. On the other side we have people wearing white. These are group of people having strong views about an issue that is gaining global traction.
So what did a normal sinkie wear? I guess red since this arguments in a way leads us on a dangerous path of possible conflicts in near future. And what did our government do? I don't know. Our dear LEEder was in US last week. Who knows maybe he was trying to find out how US is handling same-sex marriage. As usual no one knows how this issue will be handled by the government. Below are some of my views on how this issue if left unchecked will lead to bigger problems in Singapore threatening our social fabric.
SIngapore's peace and prosperity for the past 49 years have been based on race and religious harmony. The previous governments have resolved any potential flashpoint issues quickly sometimes using draconian laws like ISA and Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act. But the current government seem to turn a blind eye to the current situation. Pink Dot movement originated from Singapore and is gaining traction worldwide. Every year it is attracting more and more attendees. Well since anti-gay laws are not actively enforced in Singapore and we are a open and inclusive society the government allows the movement to continue. But this year religious group has got into the act and has organized wear white movement which have attracted few thousand followers in wearing white. On the other side we have the Pink Dot movement hiring security guards for "security reasons".
Isn't all this a flashpoint for the government to make a stand. Instead we have certain personnels paying lip service to the issue. There is a potential for this issue to further escalate in the future. Referring to the article here: http://mashable.com/2014/06/25/internalized-homophobia-lgbt/ . The article explains about, Internalized Homophobia: The Next LGBT Movement After Same-Sex Marriage meaning moving towards a society that doesn't marginalise LGBTs. The article was written in US context but this is something applicable to us too. Well the intention is the right one but imagine the reactions from the same group of individuals who have supported the wear white movement when the LGBT activist groups start pushing for such agendas.
Won't it lead to more tensions? Shouldn't the government come out and make a statement now to make it clear to both parties?
Everyone is equal in the eyes of God. We should all love each other for who we are. Similarly the government should make a stand, well previously someone made a statement that Singapore is everyone, shouldn't such a statement be made? You pray to your own God and uphold the values, another person has all the right to pursue that type of lifestyle he/she deem fit as long as it is not harmful to another human being. Why the need to judge and imply who is right or wrong? Why must religious groups(or certain individuals) get involved unnecessarily? At the end of the day we should be a country following Asian values and at the same time a place where LGBTs are not discriminated against.
It's time for the government to come out strongly and make a statement to stop unnecessary arguments on which kind of lifestyle is correct instead of playing the silent game. Singapore as our national flag shows make up of both red and white which when mixed gives you pink. It is a place for everyone.
The Real Sinkie
TRS Contributor