I refer to the article, 'MP Baey all for repealing anti-gay law' (ST, July 16). As the article may create misunderstanding among readers regarding the position of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) concerning the issue of homosexuality, we wish to state the following.

Rev Dr Yap Kim Hao retired from active service in 1994 in the Trinity Annual Conference, a component body in the MCS. He does not speak for the MCS. The official body authorised to speak for the MCS is its General Conference.

The position of the General Conference regarding homosexuality is found in the Book of Discipline of the MCS (which contains the doctrinal statements, and administrative rules and principles of the church). Relevant sections include:

We consider the practice of homosexuality to be incompatible with Christian teachings. However, we do recognise that homosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. They need the ministry and guidance of the church as well as the spiritual and emotional support of a caring fellowship.

Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practising homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as itinerant ministers or approved to serve in the MCS.

Every itinerant minister of the MCS shall accept that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teachings. A fuller explanation of the church's position is found in an article endorsed by the General Conference in 2004. The article can be found at our website at http//www.methodist.org.sg

Bishop Dr Robert Solomon
The Methodist Church in Singapore

* * * * *

19 July 2007
Straits Times online forum

The views I have regarding the current controversy of decriminalising gay sex is purely personal. However, I will not be surprised if other like-minded Singaporean mothers share my views. I had the opportunity to travel and live in North America, and experienced life in cities where homosexuality is openly acceptable.

While in San Francisco for a medical conference, my attempt to explore the city was marred by the Gay Pride Parade. There were rainbow flags all over the city, and the public transport system was paralysed because of the event.

My spouse and I lived in Toronto several years ago, while on a work attachment at a reputable hospital in the city. When we first arrived, we stayed at a hostel at Church Street. The irony was that it's the street where homosexuals hang out in.

I attended an eye-opening play at a gay theatre, about the gay lifestyle, performed by gays. The play was written by a 14-year-old school girl, and received good reviews for its literary merits on national newspaper. A local paediatrician colleague openly introduced her lesbian partner to us.

Most of the bookshops in North America will have significant sections for gay and lesbian literature, and not infrequently, they are right next to the children's books section.

I returned fully convinced that Singapore is still the best place to raise my children.

However, with casinos coming in, and now the push for the legal acceptance of an 'alternative lifestyle', our younger generation's moral compass will sway even more uncertainly.

As a paediatrician, I remain an advocate for the well-being of our children. Today's children and adolescents already have enough health and psycho-social issues to grapple with. They don't deserve the added problems of homosexuality and rising HIV infections.

When local schools teach that homosexuality is an alternative lifestyle, and my children's teachers are open about their homosexual relationships, I will quit my immensely satisfying career to home-school my children.

When local church/religious leaders sanction same-sex marriages and ordain homosexual ministers, I will quit going to church and will not send my children to a mission school.

The day Singapore becomes like San Francisco, foreign talents can come in all they like, but there would not be much left to keep me in Singapore.

I am not aware of any convincing medical literature that proves that homosexuality is genetic. Mankind has struggled with homosexuality since biblical times.

I am not expressing my views from a position of strength. As human beings, we all have our struggles and temptations.

However, legalising something that is not right does not make it right, does it?

Dr Ang Su Yin

==============

19 July 2007
Straits Times online forum

Your report, 'MP Baey all for repealing anti-gay law' (ST, July 16), raises some questions. While the forum was attended by 'about 100 participants', it is not made clear whether it was a public forum or who had organised it.

Interestingly, while calling it an 'open discussion' the MPs' noted 'the absence of a different point of view meant the discussion lacked balance'. Mr Baey's closing comment is telling 'We are talking to the converted.' This view is clear from the 'loud applause' to his assertion that he would vote to decriminalise homosexuality.

Mr Baey's use of loaded terms like 'progressive thinking' is also not helpful for genuinely progressive discussion on this issue. It implies that the conservative view is not progressive and, by inference, regressive.

I am disturbed by the current promotion of just one side of the debate. The majority view of 'conservative' Singaporeans need to be heard, not just the views of 'progressive thinkers'.

Chia Boon Beng

* * * * *

19 July 2007
Straits Times online forum

I would like to comment on the MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC, Mr Baey Yam Keng's, stand on homosexuality. Let me first remind him that as the representative of the people of Tanjong Pagar, although only one part of five, he is supposed to reflect their views in Parliament and not only his personal ones.

When he goes on his walkabouts and when he gathers feedback from his constituents , he should try and find out what they think.

The recent polls by MediaCorp's Research Consultants reveal a very interesting statistic. A total of 62 per cent of the population feel that there is no room for homosexuals in Singapore

Maybe at the next election, Mr Baey should ask for a single constituency ward, make known his stand on homosexuality and his opposition to Section 377A and see how it turns out.