Comms, Als and you: But this is the norm!!

Comms, Als and you

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

But this is the norm!!

Now now children, we all have heard about gay pride and what not. Before I post anything, I need to put a disclaimer. I have many gay (homosexual) friends and some of whom I am very, very good friends with. We have nothing going on between us but as a friend to them and them to me, we are great friends and we appreciate one another as that. Now, the hard bit.

Everyone remembers the BIG hoo haa about the legalisation of gay sex in Singapore. MP Siew Kum Hong decides to appeal against this decision which was highly supported by voices from the gay and lesbian community. A heated debate started and ended in the Parliament with the decision to uphold section 377 of the penal code.

Section 377 reads: "Outrages on decency.
377A. Any male person who, in public or private, commits, or abets the commission of, or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any male person of, any act of gross indecency with another male person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 2 years."
Reference

So, then. Unfair to gays who want to get intimate? You might say so.
Singapore doesn't give a crap about gays? You might say so.
Singapore is opressing the gays? You might say so.
Is this a norm? Is this viewed as "normal" by Singaporeans? Can you say so?

There is still a significant number of Singaporeans that view gay sex as "an act of gross indecency". My personal opinion is the same. However, I do respect gays and their decisions and their private life remains their own. Is it normal? Many people sure don't think so. Asian culture does not view gay sex as a norm. Singaporean culture does not view gay sex as a norm. Singapore society does not view gay sex as a norm. While it is slightly unfair and a fallacy in some sense to have the penal code as such. Our PM, Mr Lee Hsien Loong highlighted recognition of the fact that homosexuals do contribute to the country, Section 377A would not be actively enforced. Homosexuals would be left to lead their private lives without harassment.

So in some sense, gays can just get on with their lives, and not tempt fate (and the law) by trying some stunt in the middle of Botanical gardens.

Gay sex is a norm probably for western culture. Freedom of choice is a value that America preaches. However, in Singapore and asian culture, such a value is also accepted. BUT with conditions. After all, the breakdown of societal norms could have devastating effects for stability in the country. The gradual evolution of societal norms is another thing altogether.

Unfair for gays? Maybe yes. But is gay sex alright with Singaporeans as a societal norm? No. Hence 377A is still retained.

Writer is not a gay basher. Not a homophobe.

posted by The Als @ 11:53 PM

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