tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59531550101165148202011-06-08T14:42:43.998+08:00The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comBlogger4371100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-29113626815211391652009-04-10T21:52:00.001+08:002009-04-11T21:55:53.065+08:00

The Straits Times - Life!, Apr 10, 2008Six films have been withdrawn from the Singapore International Film Festivalwhile four have been given the go-ahead for a one-time screening only.The six withdrawn films are:# Female Games by local film-maker Kan Lume, about two female models who getinto trouble and fall for each other# Boy, a gay coming-of-age story by Filipino director Auraeus Solito#

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by Wong Kim HohThe Straits Times, Apr 10, 2009SINGAPORE'S best-known women's group, the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware), has seen a dramatic changing of the guard - which some members are describing as nothing short of a leadership grab.When Aware held its annual general meeting on March 28, everyone expected the usual: No more than 30 or 40 members would turn up at its Dover

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The Straits Times, Apr 8, 2009WASHINGTON - VERMONT'S Democratic-led assembly on Tuesday dramatically overrode a veto by the Republican governor to legalise same-sex marriage, becoming the fourth US state to adopt the measure. The change takes effect from September 1.Other states to have allowed gay marriage are Connecticut, Iowa and Massachusetts, but their decisions were made by the states' top

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-66588859101488734942009-03-28T22:01:00.001+08:002009-04-11T22:05:01.918+08:00

The Straits Times - Life!, Mar 28, 2009We refer to the report Too Wild For Those Under 16? (Life!, Feb 25).Wild Rice's artistic director Ivan Heng said he was 'perplexed and disappointed' at the advisory given by the Media Development Authority (MDA) for the play The Importance Of Being Earnest.We would like to take this opportunity to clarify the matter.The original play, which is a literary

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The Straits Times, Mar 19, 2009WASHINGTON - THE US on Wednesday formally endorsed a UN declaration calling for the worldwide decriminalisation of homosexuality, a measure that former President George W Bush had refused to sign.The move was the Obama administration's latest in reversing Bush-era decisions that have been heavily criticized by human rights and other groups.The US was the only

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The Straits Times, Mar 16, 2009JOHANNESBURG - SOUTH African lesbians are suffering rapes by men trying to 'cure' their homosexuality, in what is becoming one of the most common hate crimes against gay women in the country, according to a new study.The study by the anti-poverty group ActionAid said that women living in townships in Johannesburg and Cape Town were reporting increasing attacks and

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The Straits Times Forum, Feb 27, 2009I THANK Miss Pamela Koh for her online letter on Thursday, 'Oscars TV cut: First you see it, then you don't', on the encore telecast of the 81st Annual Academy Awards aired on Monday.We wish to clarify that the programme was edited for the encore telecast in accordance to the Media Development Authority (MDA) Programme Code - specifically, the relevant

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by Andre YeoThe New Paper, Feb 27, 2009Mum says: Kids are doing wellDad says: Kid failing subjectsMY WIFE'S lesbian relationship with another woman killed our marriage.And it is now affecting our three children.That is a husband's claim in divorce proceedings being heard by the courts.His wife does not dispute that she is a lesbian.But she accuses him of being abusive and committing a crime by

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The Straits Times Forum, Feb 26, 2009AS I plopped myself down for a second helping of MediaCorp Channel 5's Academy Awards coverage on Monday night, surprisingly, I was thoroughly, well, surprised.After the first half of the laugh-inducing banter between presenters Tina Fey and Steve Martin was over, the nominees for Original Screenplay were screened, the winner was announced and soon was up on

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The Straits Times, Jan 11, 2009Quiet Time tackles an aspect of gay life rarely talked about publicly in Singapore - the desire to be a parent.By Stephanie Yap Johann S. Lee continues with the topic of homosexuality in his third novel Quiet Time, which ends on a triumphant note that love is stronger than prejudice.In his groundbreaking debut novel Peculiar Chris (1992), author Johann S. Lee wrote

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by Tara TanThe Straits Times - Life! Jan 6, 2009The world of teenage girls with androgynous looks is explored in an online photo exhibitionVisual artist Genevieve Chua blends myth and reality in her latest photo project, Raised As A Pack of Wolves.On one level, the photographs of the androgynous-looking girls, aged 16 to 18, were inspired by a story she wrote last year about a group of wolf

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by Grace ChuaThe Straits Times, Dec 5, 2008Some cardholders don't agree with charity's anti-gay, anti-abortion stanceDBS Bank's selection of Focus on the Family as its charity for the holiday season this year has attracted a backlash from some customers unhappy with its choice.Now, it has withdrawn the promotion from its website, following complaints that the charity's United States parent

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by Tan Hui YeeThe Sunday Times, Nov 9, 2008In town last month to promote her work, Elizabeth Pisani, the London-based 44-year-old epidemiologist, is as unflinchingly honest in real life as she is in the book.The speaker takes the microphone to address the handful of people at the corner of Page One bookstore. Please, he asks those milling around, take your seats for a session with the author.No

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The Straits Times, Nov 6, 2008LOS ANGELES - THOUSANDS of gay rights supporters took to the streets of Hollywood late on Wednesday outraged that California had voted to ban same-sex marriages.The historic presidential win of Mr Barack Obama, who promises to be far more socially liberal than his predecessor, was therefore a bitter-sweet moment for California's gay community as a simultaneous

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The Straits Times, Nov 4, 2008GEORGE TOWN (Penang): Malaysian police broke up four gay parties over the weekend and nabbed 70 people, some of whom were caught literally with their pants down.Those detained included locals, Americans, Europeans and a Chinese national.Police, in a blitz to weed out vice activities in George Town and in Seberang Jaya last Saturday, stumbled upon the parties

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by Kor Kian BengThe Straits Times, Nov 1, 2008Speakers' Corner event on Nov 15 postponed to cater to strong responseSINGAPORE's first outdoor gay protest at Speakers' Corner in Hong Lim Park on Nov 15 has been postponed to early next year.Organiser Roy Tan, 50, a Singaporean who initiated the event, yesterday cited the overwhelming response from the gay community as a key reason for the date

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by Benson AngThe New Paper, Oct 30, 2008Infected man's mum slams him when he reveals condition. He now hides it from friends and colleagues.HE is gay and HIV-positive.In 2004, one evening during dinner, he broke the news to his family. His mother and elder brother were present.He was advised by his doctor to break the news to his family so that they could react appropriately in case of an

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-62436607059117331402008-10-25T21:23:00.001+08:002009-04-11T21:27:20.199+08:00

The Straits Times, Oct 25, 2008KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's main body of Islamic clerics has issued an edict banning tomboys in the Muslim-majority country, ruling that girls who act like boys violate the tenets of Islam, an official said yesterday.At a meeting on Thursday in northern Malaysia, the National Fatwa Council forbade girls to behave or dress like boys, said Perak mufti Harussani Idris

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-88221799015826490392008-10-07T21:30:00.001+08:002009-04-11T21:36:31.791+08:00

TODAY, Oct 7, 2008SINGAPORE: It was a night of revelry, as six friends – all gang members aged from 17 to 28 – gathered at a pub in Orchard Towers on November 23, 2007 to celebrate a birthday.But the gathering ended in tragedy when a brawl broke out, and by 6am, a 37-year-old stranger was pronounced dead after being kicked and punched by the six friends.The sextet – namely Ahmad Nur Helmy,

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by Tara TanThe Straits Times, Oct 4, 2008From first menstrual cramps to love and sex, this feminist play is fun-filled and thoughtfulThis is Dim Sum Dollies-meets-Oprah - stories about love, family and sex doused with tears and showered with laughter.Eve Ensler's landmark play, The Vagina Monologues, played here by nine women, is a series of vignettes that grapple with female issues from domestic

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-56357361930591411002008-10-02T17:23:00.002+08:002009-04-11T17:28:24.950+08:00

The Straits Times, Oct 2, 2008LOS ANGELES - MELISSA Etheridge will wed girlfriend Tammy Lynn Michaels, the singer told celebrity television show Extra ahead of California's vote next month on whether to strip same-sex couples of the right to marry.'Yes, we have four children and we're trying to find the right time,' Etheridge said when asked about marriage in an interview set to air on Wednesday

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by Andre YeoThe New Paper, Sep 26, 2008Organiser plans gay pride parade at Speakers' CornerHONG LIM Park (once called Green) is open for demos of all shades and hues (except unlawful ones, of course).So it is no surprise that the gay lobby here wants to use it in November to make a statement.Riding on the new, relaxed rules on protests at the park's Speakers' Corner, Mr Roy Tan, 50, is planning a

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-86162961724790934392008-09-18T23:13:00.000+08:002009-04-11T23:18:21.702+08:00

The Straits Times, Sep 18, 2008Let's get down to businessTHESE articles in The Straits Times deserve commendation: Miss Li Xueying on religious diversity last Friday ('Tackling religious taboo'), Mr Wong Kim Hoh on transsexuals ('When papa became mama', Sept 6) and Miss Tan Hui Yee on migrant workers ('Standing up for foreign workers', Sept 10).They are expressions of corporate social

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by Wong Kim HohThe Straits Times - Special Report, Sep 6, 2008No sleaze, please. Straight guy just wants to give transsexual community a space for bondingDANIEL Kaw deflates expectations of how a champion for Singapore's transsexual community should look.The 36-year-old assistant project manager with a water engineering firm is stocky and burly. Not surprising, since he is a lion dancer and a

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by Wong Kim HoThe Straits Times - Special Report, Sep 6, 2008TWO months ago, a former first sergeant who served 10 years in the Singapore navy sent a mass SMS to all his friends.It said: 'Dear friends, I have changed my name from Frankie to Fanny.'Some laughed it off as a prank. Others called up Frankie Ler, 34, and were stunned when he told them he had decided to become a woman.The divorcee and

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-64582431426165622122008-07-15T17:30:00.001+08:002009-04-11T18:00:18.214+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum Online, July 15, 2008ON JULY 9, my friends and I wanted to have a fun night out at O Bar, a popular night club located in Mohamed Sultan Road. However, it turned out to be a disappointing night for all of us when my two friends, who are androgynous, were denied entry into the club because of their masculine appearance.It was Ladies Night that evening, and my two

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The Straits Times Forum, June 21, 2008I STRUGGLE to understand Dr Wong Jock Onn's views in his Wednesday letter,'S'poreans guilty too, not just rights activists'.He suggested that Attorney-General Walter Woon had wrongly criticised Westernhuman-rights activists for believing 'they and their values represent the apexof human moral development'. He cites three examples to illustrate Singapore'sown

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The Straits Times Forum, June 18, 2008I READ Lydia Lim's article 'Let's not turn human rights into a battle ground' onSaturday in which she reminded us what the Attorney-General, Professor WalterWoon, said rather critically: 'These are people who evidently believe that theyand their values represent the apex of human moral development.'I find the statement rather ironic because it seems to me

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-46979165943427033582008-06-18T10:42:00.002+08:002008-06-23T10:56:13.460+08:00

Channel NewsAsia, June 18, 2008WASHINGTON: President George W. Bush still believes marriage is between a man and a woman, and remains in favour of a constitutional amendment banning same-sex weddings, the White House said on Tuesday.But the president does not intend to campaign for such an amendment, spokesman Tony Fratto said as thousands of gay couples lined up in California to be among the

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The Straits Times - ST Forum Online, June 17, 2008KUDOS to Channel 5 for not being afraid to air the Ellen DeGeneres talk showalthough Singapore is still not very open to topics about homosexuality.However, it disturbs me that whenever the show host mentions her partner's name,Portia, or whenever there is any slight mention of her sexual orientation,Channel 5 censors it and the show skids forward

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-33042354798480121362008-06-17T10:51:00.002+08:002008-06-23T10:56:28.258+08:00

Channel NewsAsia, June 17, 2008BEVERLY HILLS, California: California began issuing same-sex marriage licenses on Monday, as a historic court ruling legalising gay and lesbian weddings took effect.Two lesbian couples who had been in the forefront of the battle to overturn the state's ban on same-sex marriage were the first to be issued licenses at ceremonies in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

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The Straits Times - ST Forum Online, Jun 12, 2008I REFER to Mrs Constance Singam's letter, 'Human-rights fanatics is what S'pore needs' (June 6).There is a need to distinguish between a human right and a claim by vested political groups.For instance, is the right of adoption a human right?In some countries, vested parties push for rights of adoption, including assisted reproduction for same-sex

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-67774177167954567152008-06-09T17:42:00.000+08:002009-04-11T17:46:45.684+08:00

Channel NewsAsia, Jun 9, 2008New York City Opera has commissioned American composer Charles Wuorinen to compose an opera based on "Brokeback Mountain," the 1997 short story by Annie Proulx that became the basis for a 2005 movie that won three Academy Awards.The opera is slated to premiere in the spring of 2013.This would mark Pulitzer-winning composer Wuorinen's second world premiere at City

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The Straits Times, May 16, 2008LOS ANGELES - ELLEN DeGeneres is putting the California Supreme Court ruling in favour of gay marriage into action - she and actress girlfriend Portia de Rossi plan to wed, DeGeneres announced during a taping of her talk show.DeGeneres was taping the episode of 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' on Thursday, the day the state's high court struck down California laws against

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The Straits Times - ST Forum Online, May 2, 2008I AM perturbed by Mr Ken Lee Jun-Jie's views and recommendations in his online letter on Tuesday, 'MDA high-handed in its fine on Ch5 for gay episode'.US practice is far from being settled. Same-sex marriages and adoption of children by same-sex couples are not approved in all US states. The permissive laws and practices in Canada have been strongly

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-21161591954812576562008-04-29T20:30:00.000+08:002009-04-11T20:33:52.071+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum Online, Apr 29, 2008I AM disappointed with the Media Development Authority's imposition of a fine on MediaCorp Channel 5 for airing an episode of a reality show depicting a gay couple with their adopted child on Jan 13.Gay people living together with adopted children is a reality in countries such as the US. In censuring Channel 5 for carrying a television programme

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The Straits Times, Apr 25, 2008THE Media Development Authority (MDA) of Singapore has fined MediaCorp TV Channel 5 $15,000, the authority said in a statement on its website yesterday.On Jan 13 at 7.30am, the station had aired an episode of an acquired home and decor series, "Find and Design". The episode featured a gay couple wanting to transform their game room into a new nursery for their

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-39967522103908480092008-04-03T20:25:00.000+08:002009-04-11T20:29:38.998+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum Online, Apr 3, 2008I REFER to last Saturday's Science section article by Ms Chang Ai-Lien, 'MM's reassuring comments seal researcher's move here'. The article reports that Professor Kerry Sieh, who is gay, has recently accepted to work at the region's biggest earth observatory because of the increased tolerance of gay people in Singapore. Also cited are Minister

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-54005113049610164962008-01-30T22:35:00.000+08:002008-01-31T22:44:18.446+08:00

by Neo Chai ChinTODAY, Jan 30, 2008American investment bank Lehman Brothers is planning an unusual initiative in Singapore, Financial Times reported recently. It is specifically targeting gay and lesbians who aspire to be bankers. This follows the success of a presentation and buffet dinner for 50 gay students in Hong Kong.Today has learnt that the banking giant is not alone. Global banks around

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-86935278846043656542008-01-17T20:37:00.000+08:002009-04-11T20:39:55.662+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum Online, Jan 17, 2008I TUNED in to MediaCorp Channel 5 on Sunday morning at 8am to a programme that featured the show's host and a family sourcing for items in a garage sale.The were looking for second-hand goods to spruce up their son's room.I was concerned because the show depicted a gay married couple with their young adopted son.The absence of the opposite gender

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-80796585351625195012007-11-22T17:44:00.000+08:002007-11-23T17:49:31.276+08:00

by Alicia WongTODAY, Nov 22, 2007In a sign that authorities are prepared to work with civil society groups to tackle the HIV problem, a once-banned gay pop duo has been given the green light to take part in a concert here next month.And the HIV Outreach, Prevention and Empowerment (Hope) Concert will have as its guest of honour, Dr Balaji Sadasivan, Senior Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-24674757422088474542007-11-17T17:40:00.000+08:002007-11-23T17:44:44.584+08:00

by Hedirman SupianTODAY Weekend, Nov 17, 2007MDA retracts earlier ban of Xbox game; it now gets an M18 ratingAfter fanning the ire of the video gaming community with the ban of Mass Effect, the authorities have done a U-turn by rating the highly-anticipated futuristic space adventure by Microsoft and allowing its sale in Singapore.In a statement on Friday, the Media Development Authority (MDA)

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by Leung Wai-LengThe Straits Times, Nov 16, 2007In a reversal of its earlier decision, the Media Development Authority (MDA) has decided to allow role-playing game Mass Effect to be released here under an M18 rating.The Board of Film Censors (BFC) said in a statement on Friday evening that it will selectively use games ratings to 'enable highly anticipated games to be launched in Singapore' until

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-80999272653869934682007-11-16T16:57:00.000+08:002007-11-23T17:00:20.765+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum Online, Nov 16, 2007I refer to the humorously written letter by Mr Peter Lee Peng Eng (Online forum, Nov 10), who commented that NMP Thio Li-Ann should also speak up equally fervently on other moral issues that the Singapore laws condoned in order not to be branded as a hypocrite.Specifically, Mr Lee exhorted NMP Thio to speak up against abortion and capital

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-66128107509004904952007-11-12T07:43:00.000+08:002007-11-12T07:47:52.326+08:00

by Phin WongTODAY, Nov 12, 2007She has written about life as a transsexual woman and has given talks on transsexual issues. But on early Saturday morning, Ms Leona Lo was asked to leave a Clarke Quay nightspot, apparently for being a "lady boy".Ms Lo was at The Pump Room with a Singaporean Chinese man and woman and an American Chinese man.She said in an email to the media: "The bouncer … asked

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-91615357595285215482007-11-10T11:42:00.000+08:002007-11-10T11:45:45.337+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum Online, Nov 10, 2007I was shocked and saddened to read of another threat being made against Nominated MP Thio Li-ann. A mark of real progress for our nation is when Members of Parliament, whether elected or nominated, can speak their minds on issues without being abused or threatened. Speaking for retaining Section 377A might have put Prof Thio in the spotlight but

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-68548897368480120802007-11-10T11:38:00.000+08:002007-11-23T17:01:29.676+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum Online, Nov 10, 2007Thank you for presenting Dr Thio Li-ann's case on the repeal of Section 377A to the public, 'A fiery NMP gets her baptism of fire' by Ms Li Xueying (ST, Nov 2).I think Dr Thio is right to express her moral position on this issue. However, I think a lot of the negative reaction she is getting may stem from the fact that she is perceived to be solely

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-63917568250630740932007-11-09T15:36:00.000+08:002007-11-09T15:43:19.317+08:00

by Nazry BahrawiTODAY, Nov 9, 2007Foreign activists have been vocal in opposing Singapore's death penalty — but they should consider a more measured response, if any headway is to be made.Making this call was law academician Professor Michael Hor at a seminar to discuss the penal code reforms at the National University of Singapore's (NUS) Bukit Timah campus on Wednesday.International bodies such

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-36120314835856496262007-11-09T14:45:00.000+08:002007-11-09T14:49:07.039+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum Online, Nov 8, 2007I refer to the article, 'NMP Thio files 2nd police report after getting threat' (ST, Nov 8). I am sorry that Prof Thio Li-ann has to endure harassment from threats issued under the cloak of anonymity. I was impressed by Prof Thio's speech in Parliament against repealing Section 377A of the Penal Code, a law criminalising gay sex.I admire her courage

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-43494351970402888622007-11-08T14:40:00.000+08:002007-11-09T14:43:10.077+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum Online, Nov 8, 2007I refer to the letter by Mr Shawn Tay Liam Yaw, 'Homosexuals should know that change is possible' (Online forum, Nov 6).I disagree with his assertion that homosexuals can change, and that the degree of change depends on the motivation of the one seeking help from recovery support groups.The 'recovery support groups' Mr Tay mentions are, I believe,

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-4143193388419457382007-11-08T14:31:00.000+08:002007-11-09T14:36:28.286+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum Online, Nov 8, 2007We refer to the letter, 'Allowing SMU students to launch booklet, event on gays sends wrong message' (Nov 3), by Ms Low Xiang Jun as well as various other letters responding to this matter. Ms Low raised an important and valid point about the role of tertiary educational institutions in Singapore. SMU's mission is to develop socially responsible

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-72645420691172933762007-11-07T23:09:00.000+08:002007-11-10T00:12:13.196+08:00

by Li XueyingThe Straits Times, Nov 7, 2007She has reported to police and NUS has beefed up campus securityA new police report has been made and university campus security roped in after Nominated MP Thio Li-ann received a threatening letter in her office mail box this week.The anonymous writer had insinuated that 'we know where you work, we'll send people there to hunt you down', she told The

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-51010252896636501432007-11-07T15:23:00.000+08:002007-11-09T15:35:00.022+08:00

by Ansley NgTODAY, Nov 7, 2007She gets physical threat, makes second police report in 3 monthsIt looked innocuous enough: A brown envelope with a single, printed A4 sheet inside.But the contents of this letter were hateful enough — indeed, the words "hate", hatred" and "hurt" were repeated no less than 10 times — that its recipient made a police report on Monday night. It is the second police

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-20514010850237550242007-11-06T22:53:00.000+08:002007-11-10T00:08:02.465+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum Online, Nov 6, 2007In light of the recent debate over Singapore's gay sex laws, I have this much to say. I myself have been gay for as long as I can remember. From the moment I became aware of my sexual urges, they had always been directed towards other males.I never faced much direct oppression for my sexuality. My very much Christian family, instead of disowning or

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-25426659564547901562007-11-06T22:49:00.000+08:002007-11-10T00:07:15.356+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum Online, Nov 6, 2007I refer to the letter, 'SMU students launch booklet, event on gays' (ST, Oct 31), where a booklet containing stories of young gays, lesbians and bisexuals was highlighted. The sadness and desperation portrayed by 'Fairus' in one of the stories has prompted me to respond.While Mr Leonard Ng encourages more gays and lesbians to come out, he fails to

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-59404296357178626512007-11-06T22:42:00.000+08:002007-11-10T00:06:50.526+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum Online, Nov 6, 2007Miss Low Xiang Jun, in her online letter, had condemned SMU's decision to allow their students to publish a booklet and hold an event on gays.I take particular exception to her view on how SMU should treat its students. She appears to imply that universities should impart 'right values' and 'wholesome ideals' and suppress those to the contrary, and

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-7378683977129758102007-11-06T22:33:00.000+08:002007-11-10T00:06:18.687+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum Online, Nov 6, 2007I am writing in reply to Miss Low Xiang Jun's article, 'Allowing SMU students to launch booklet, event on gays sends wrong message' (Online forum, Nov 3).Miss Low wrote to disapprove the launching of a booklet, done as a project by SMU first-year students, that discussed the discrimination faced by homosexual youths in Singapore. She said that the

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-39863609480394556562007-11-04T23:05:00.000+08:002007-11-04T23:24:32.923+08:00

by Sumiko TanThe Sunday Times - Lifestyle, Nov 4, 2007For moderates like me, the vitriolic exchanges made me wonder: Why can't we just live and let live?I don't think I was fully aware of what homosexuality was all about until I was in my 20s.It wasn't a subject that ever cropped up at home. In the late 1970s when I was growing up, a cluster of houses was built in my neighbourhood and a sign on

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-13300127136423823912007-11-03T22:38:00.000+08:002007-11-04T23:02:54.902+08:00

by Andy HoThe Straits Times - Review, Nov 3, 2007In the recent debate over the decriminalisation of homosexual sodomy, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong observed, in passing, that HDB heartlanders weren't too concerned about the issue.Mr Jeffrey Tan, a teaching fellow in the China division at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), nuances the picture somewhat.First, there is the Chinese

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-61724928585038931872007-11-03T22:11:00.000+08:002007-11-09T15:47:58.414+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum Online, Nov 3, 2007I am writing in with regards to the article, 'SMU students launch booklet, event on gays' (ST, Oct 31).As an ex-student of the Singapore Management University (SMU), I am shocked and saddened to see such an open activity in one of the premier institutions of higher learning in Singapore.The role of an educational institution in Singapore is not only

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-85936905887539699042007-11-02T14:39:00.000+08:002007-11-03T02:57:03.677+08:00

by Li XueyingThe Straits Times - Insights, Nov 2, 2007She is the woman at the centre of a stormy debate over gay men and their sex lives. Nominated MP Thio Li-ann has made headlines for her stance against repealing Section 377A. Who is she? Why does she feel so strongly about this issue? LI XUEYING finds outShe was a 'very, very arrogant' atheist, who scored an A1 in Bible Knowledge for her O

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-77573565655787303702007-11-01T21:35:00.000+08:002007-11-03T01:53:58.660+08:00

by By Li XueyingThe Straits Times, Nov 1, 2007It is over. Nominated MP Thio Li-ann will not be suing poet and playwright Alfian Sa'at for a strongly worded e-mail he had sent her. 'I consider the case closed,' she told The Straits Times yesterday.One reason was that Mr Alfian, a communications undergraduate at the Nanyang Technological University, had sent her an e-mail apology yesterday morning

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-85383439482630069682007-11-01T15:45:00.000+08:002007-11-02T03:53:54.954+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum Online, Nov 1, 2007Both sides of the recent Section 377A debate have claimed victory and selectively focused on relevant portions of PM Lee's speech in Parliament to back up their stands.Rather than victory, I suggest that both camps have 'lost' in their recent effort to bring the moderate majority to their stated cause.For those who supported the retention of Section

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-3569793000008519422007-11-01T15:40:00.000+08:002007-11-02T03:45:44.910+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum Online, Nov 1, 2007I refer to Mr Janadas Devan's article, '377A debate and the rewriting of pluralism' (ST, Oct 27).It is unfortunate that Mr Janadas Devan was 'exceedingly' depressed by the parliamentary debate on S377A of the Penal Code. However, one's personal feelings and sentiments such as 'was left looking stupid, speechless, confused, sour-faced and uncivil' is

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-12543969093553476142007-11-01T14:18:00.000+08:002007-11-03T02:39:29.393+08:00

by John GeeThe Straits Times - Review, Nov 1, 2007After the parliamentary debate over Section 377A ended in the retention of the clause, one pro-change activist was quoted as saying: 'What makes this so divisive is that so many of those who are against gays do not have gay friends and do not understand them.'The sad reality is that many probably do have gay friends, but they just don't know it.As

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-91104916873982787532007-10-31T23:57:00.000+08:002007-11-09T15:47:58.416+08:00

by Yeo Ghim LayThe Straits Times, Oct 31, 2007Tasked with creating a community service project for a course, undergraduate Leonard Ng and his group mates decided to do something different.While their classmates organised visits to homes for the needy, the eight Singapore Management University students came up with a 50-page booklet containing the stories of young gays, lesbians and

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-75944168382209680302007-10-31T16:51:00.000+08:002007-10-31T16:58:14.210+08:00

by Leong Wee KeatTODAY, Oct 31, 2007He thought she had made the police report which led to the cancellation of the "Pink Picnic", a public event that had been planned by gay activists.In his "flash of anger", poet and playwright Alfian Sa'at shot off an angry email to Nominated Member of Parliament Professor Thio Li-ann early one morning in August.Yesterday, Professor Thio denied that she was the

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-4833559216553343962007-10-31T16:15:00.000+08:002007-10-31T16:21:48.325+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum, Oct 31, 2007In the article, 'Police question poet over e-mail to NMP' (ST, Oct 30), one Alfian Sa'at is identified as the writer of the hate mail directed to me on Aug 12. Before this, I had never heard of him.I note his public apology as reported. His current rejection of using hate-mail tactics containing four-letter words and abusive language to intimidate people

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-85333017040643057102007-10-31T16:12:00.000+08:002007-10-31T16:15:20.029+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum, Oct 31, 2007In the report, 'Police question poet over e-mail to NMP' (ST, Oct 30), it was stated that I had 'emerged as the writer of the strongly worded e-mail to Nominated MP Thio Li-ann'.This might suggest that the exposure of my identity as the letter-writer was involuntary, and that it was a check with the police that had pinpointed me.In reality, I had already

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-28741092180698169762007-10-31T16:10:00.000+08:002007-10-31T16:12:49.984+08:00

The Straits Times, Oct 31, 2007LONDON - Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has become a hate figure to Christian evangelicals in the United States since she outed master wizard Albus Dumbledore as gay.She told a New York audience recently that Potter's head teacher was in love with rival wizard Gellert Grindelwald.Talk shows in the US Bible Belt in the South have condemned her, websites have

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-193150924314412742007-10-30T18:06:00.000+08:002007-10-30T18:08:30.320+08:00

by Chong Chee KinThe Straits Times, Oct 30, 2007Poet and playwright Alfian Sa'at has emerged as the writer of the strongly worded e-mail which Nominated MP Thio Li-Ann referred to in her impassioned speech against repealing Section 377A of the Penal Code.Yesterday, Mr Alfian, 29, confirmed that he was called up for police investigations last Friday, following Professor Thio's police report about

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-87983964511368015962007-10-30T15:30:00.000+08:002007-11-02T03:35:36.031+08:00

by K. C. Vijayan, Law CorrespondentThe Straits Times, Oct 30, 2007If the police, on a tip-off, raid a flat for suspected drug offenders and discover no drugs but gay sex instead, would they prosecute?NUS law don Michael Hor says this scenario could arise from the government's stand that it would not be proactive in enforcing S377A.'Does the non-enforcement policy cover this, for it might be

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-5160547311863965122007-10-30T14:35:00.000+08:002007-11-02T14:47:35.381+08:00

by Derrick A Paulo, Assistant News EditorTODAY, Oct 30, 2007Moderate views of most S'poreans needed to temper the vocal minorityNow the Penal Code has been updated — with Section 377A left untouched — where does Singapore go from here on this issue of the law on sex between gay men?Certainly, it will remain an issue for years to come, and the situation here will evolve, if not in tandem with the

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-45640227753433222492007-10-29T14:48:00.000+08:002007-10-29T14:50:43.775+08:00

by Jeremy Au YongThe Straits Times, Oct 28, 2007Can it be? Is it possible for a completely straight man to have a crush on another man?If I were a woman...Boy, if I had 50 cents for every time I started a sentence with those words...Okay, so I'd still be pretty poor. Counting the first line of this column, that would make it, let me see, exactly one time I've used it.I've always accepted as a

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-30096581476779736032007-10-27T17:54:00.000+08:002007-10-27T18:51:34.108+08:00

by Janadas DevanThe Straits Times - Insights, Oct 27, 2007I confess: I found the parliamentary debate on Section 377A of the Penal Code exceedingly depressing. It is no fun at all finding oneself holding a view - I believe the provision is odious and should be scrapped - with so little support.Of the 82 PAP MPs, only 3-1/2 expressed views that resembled mine - Mr Charles Chong, Mr Hri Kumar and

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-25403205445314367632007-10-27T17:53:00.000+08:002007-10-27T18:56:40.029+08:00

The Straits Times - Insights, Oct 27, 2007Last week, we asked for your take on the debate over Section 377A of the Penal Code. We received 119 responses - 80 arguing to keep the law, 32 wanting it repealed and seven who did not pick a side. Here are some of the responses:'After a good and level-headed debate, I would say: To each his own conscience. The solution: status quo ante.'MR WINSTON CHIN,

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-10062062571289406962007-10-27T17:50:00.000+08:002007-10-27T19:16:10.612+08:00

by Andy HoThe Straits Times - Review, Oct 27, 2007In the parliamentary debate over the continued criminalisation of gay sodomy, MP Lim Biow Chuan (Marine Parade) disagreed with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong who said that growing scientific evidence shows homosexuality is substantially inborn.What does the research say? To me, there are four big items that are not what they seem to be.# First,

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-47505799474626168012007-10-27T17:33:00.000+08:002007-10-27T17:44:50.362+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum, Oct 27, 2007Parliament's decision not to repeal Section 377A of the Penal Code, a law criminalising gay sex, is a sad day for Singapore.Prior to the Penal Code review, it was a criminal offence for anyone, including heterosexuals, to engage in anal and oral sex. But now we have seen it fit to modify that particular law that once applied to everyone equally to make it

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-71916513992342855642007-10-27T17:32:00.000+08:002007-10-27T17:52:30.853+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum, Oct 27, 2007Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made the right decision to keep Section 377A of the Penal Code, a law criminalising gay sex.As a gay Singaporean, I agree that keeping Section 377A would maintain the social status quo and harmony.Gay activists are trying to push the gay lifestyle to mainstream society. I do not agree with the activists' stand and I believe

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-23897173127974007452007-10-27T17:30:00.000+08:002007-10-27T19:29:55.102+08:00

by P N BaljiTODAY Weekend, 27 Oct, 2007One thing is for sure. The Parliamentary debate on Section 377A, which makes sex between homosexuals a crime, is not the end of the story. The issue will come up for public airing again when morality is confronted with money.The PM's speech, which tried to strike a nice balance between allowing gays space and appeasing the religious and conservative groups

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-65970348407920961832007-10-26T16:01:00.000+08:002007-10-27T16:43:42.586+08:00

The Straits Times - Review, Oct 26, 2007They were the two Nominated MPs who stood out in Parliament this week. Lawyer Siew Kum Hong was instrumental in putting forward a citizens' petition to repeal Section 377A, a law that deems sex between men a crime. Law professor Thio Li-Ann spoke passionately against it. The two NMPs penned their thoughts after the debate, exclusively for Insight.Debate an

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-57775706862365849002007-10-25T21:10:00.000+08:002007-10-26T18:43:45.611+08:00

by Li XueyingThe Straits Times, Oct 25, 2007The dialogue has been started, and it will continue.While disappointed that Section 377A - which criminialises sex between men - has not been repealed after two days of parliamentary debate, Singapore's gay community is determined to keep the conversation going.As media company executive Stuart Koe put it: 'We've started a dialogue which we don't intend

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-45362851195281575252007-10-25T21:09:00.000+08:002007-10-26T18:44:26.542+08:00

by Tan Seow HonThe Straits Times - Review, Oct 25, 2007The relevance of moral values endorsed by religious persons in public decision-making has often been debated. The issue comes to the fore again in relation to the debate on Section 377A of the Penal Code dealing with acts of gross indecency between males.With the flourishing of diverse viewpoints that is a natural consequence of a liberal

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-15991389880753155862007-10-25T21:01:00.000+08:002007-10-26T18:44:35.341+08:00

The Straits Times - Review, Oct 25, 2007It was no surprise a citizens' attempt seeking abolition of a law against male homosexual sex did not gain Parliament's assent. Many Singaporeans across the religious and language spectrum are not ready (if ever) for a radical bohemisation of sexual mores. This is clear in the weightage of pro and con views conveyed to the media and through the Internet,

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-17470923691704037272007-10-25T20:52:00.000+08:002007-10-26T18:44:44.527+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum, Oct 25, 2007I am overwhelmed with joy that the Government has expressed unequivocally that it does not support the gay lifestyle in Singapore and Section 377A - a law criminalising gay sex - will not be repealed.Over the past years, all across the world, we have seen unrelenting pressure from advocates of the gay lifestyle to accept as normal what is not normal, and

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-25829357562070632142007-10-25T20:51:00.000+08:002007-10-27T16:48:23.920+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum, Oct 25, 2007I write in response to Nominated MP Thio Li-Ann's speech in Parliament and comments made to the press on Monday.As the debate on Section 377A of the Penal Code - a law criminalising gay sex - was heated, it was inevitable that tempers flared on both sides.However, Professor Thio's comments were inappropriate and were deemed disrespectful by many, and not

The Queer Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09671413363773288412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953155010116514820.post-61200487749982746942007-10-25T20:50:00.000+08:002007-10-27T16:48:23.923+08:00

The Straits Times - ST Forum, Oct 25, 2007I 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

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by Ansley NgTODAY, Oct 25, 2007But a few black sheep in cyberspace do not mean S'poreans can't hold a mature dialogue: AnalystsThe Parliamentary debate on the law against gay sex will be remembered for its fiery, heart-felt spirit. But outside the House, passions — among both supporters and opponents of Section 377A — have, at times, degenerated into spite.There were threatening, expletive-laced

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by Liang DingziTODAY, Oct 25, 2007That way, the world will understand Singapore betterIF any one of us is surprised by a remark made by Mr Peter Schwartz, co-founder and chairman of the Global Business Network — that Singapore suffers from an image problem — let us not jump to defend our honour. It would only reflect our arrogance and affirm our frog-in-the-well disposition.Mr Schwartz, who was

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by Leong ChingThe New Paper, Oct 25, 2007Pink is the colour of calm. It is also the colour associated with gays. Coincidentally, it was also the colour of the Prime Minister's shirt in Parliament yesterday.But while the pink issue was very much the subject of debate, the House was hardly calm, with the issue taking on red-hot hues that was at times personal, passionate and unusually graphic.God,

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by Low Ching LingThe New Paper, Oct 25, 2007On one side of the fence, you have those who want Section 377A abolished.On the other side stands the 'conservative majority' - people who want the status quo to remain.Both sides will not budge.What should the Government do?Live and let live. Don't force the issue. Better to keep the law grey.That is the view of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who

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The New Paper, Oct 25, 2007Homosexuals should not actively promote their lifestyles.Using the case of gay teacher Otto Fong, PM Lee said Singapore should strive to maintain a balance, to uphold a stable society with traditional heterosexual family values, but with space for homosexuals to live their lives and to contribute to society.He said in Parliament yesterday: 'The recent case of Mr Otto

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The New Paper, Oct 25, 2007An inconvenient truth.Perhaps that's what Section 377A is to some Singaporeans and the Government, MP Baey Yam Keng suggested in Parliament yesterday.The MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC, who once declared his support for scrapping the law that criminalises gay sex, said: 'We have inherited 377A from the British.'It is easier and, as the Senior Minister of State (Associate

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by Jeanine TanTODAY, Oct 24 2007Will Singaporeans watch Pleasure Factory just for the novelty of seeing sex in a local film?Film-maker Ekachai Uekrong-tham observes wryly that Singaporeans — the media included — are mainly focused on the sexual elements of his new film, Pleasure Factory.But then with the red light district of Geylang as its theme and full frontal male nudity, Pleasure Factory,

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by Loh Chee KongTODAY, Oct 24, 2007PM Lee on keeping Section 377A, even as homosexuals must have a place in societyIt may be untidy and ambiguous.But for once, such lack of cut-and-dried neatness in its laws is what Singapore needs, according to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, as the country continues its fragile balance of affirming old-fashioned family values and making new space for

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by Low Ching LingThe New Paper, Oct 24, 2007There's no question about it - it's illegal to have gay sex in Singapore, whether in public or private.But how often has Section 377A of the Penal Code, which criminalises such acts, been used to punish two consenting men who have sex in their own homes or in a private space?Lawyers say it's unheard of.The Government has said it would not actively

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by Li XueyingThe Straits Times, Oct 24, 2007Section 377A not repealed as the social norm is a heterosexual family and most people want it kept that waySingapore has to maintain a balance between upholding a stable society with traditional, heterosexual family values and giving gays space to live their lives, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.That is why the Government has decided to leave the

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The Straits Times, Oct 24, 2007Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong spoke yesterday on Section 377A, which criminalises gay sex. Here are edited excerpts from his remarks'Mr Speaker Sir, this parliamentary debate is on the amendments to the Penal Code, but the hottest debate is on one section which is not being amended - Section 377A.Both Mr Siew Kum Hong and Professor Thio Li-Ann quoted me with

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by Goh Chin LianThe Straits Times, Oct 24, 2007Mr Lim Biow Chuan one of nine PAP backbenchers to speak on Section 377AWhile he is all for respecting homosexuals, MP Lim Biow Chuan (Marine Parade GRC) does not believe gays are born that way.Rising to speak immediately after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Mr Lim yesterday took a different view from that of the PM, who said there is a growing body

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by Keith LinThe Straits Times, Oct 24, 2007MP Charles Chong wants the Government to show leadership on Section 377A - by updating it to better reflect the realities on the ground.And among the moves would be not to criminalise 'acts done in private between consenting adults', and to make the provisions of the law gender-neutral.'We should show leadership and convince the majority to do what is

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