PLU first application: protest letter

source: original document

Prior to mailing our Letter of Appeal to you earlier this month, we had written to the Registry of Societies asking for the reason behind their rejection of our application. We now have their reply. It says,

"Kindly note that the Registrar is not required to provide any reason for the refusal of any application to register a society as there is no section under the Societies Act requiring the Registrar to do so. We therefore regret to inform you that your request cannot be acceded to."

We are naturally disappointed by this reply. It has not escaped our notice that while the Societies Act may not require the Registrar to disclose his reason, neither does it require him to conceal it. He has discretion; and in this instance he has chosen not to assist us. The reason given -- no section under the Societies Act requiring the Registrar to do so -- is in fact tangential.

It is contrary to the expressed wishes of the Prime Minister for more transparency and openness in government dealings with citizens. It is particularly ironical at a time when the motto "Excellence in the Civil Service" is bandied about.

The use of a faulty reason for not assisting us leaves one with the impression of unjustified defensiveness. It suggests that the true reason for the Registry's rejecting our application is perhaps irrational and indefensible.

In short, this reply is stonewalling. It does not offer aggrieved citizens a chance to engage in a dialogue with the government. It does not tell us what exactly are the concerns of the Registrar, so that we may assuage them, help throw light on the facts, or clarify our intentions. As stated in our first letter to you, this we are prepared to do. We are prepared at all times to explore a modus vivendi between the gay and lesbian community and the government, taking into account changing circumstances, the very apparent need for the community to organise themselves for self-help, and the personal aspirations of a new generation of citizens. Stonewalling does not help this sincere attempt at a constructive dialogue.

We would be grateful if you could either request the Regsitrar again to share with us the basis for his decision; alternatively, ask your own office to inform us what the Registrar's reasons were.

(Signed on behalf of all ten applicants for the registration of People Like Us)   

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