Singapore sends mixed signals on homosexuality

source: DPA, 4 October 2007

Singapore - Leaders of economically vibrant Singapore are sending mixed signals on homosexuality in the competition with other Asian countries for more foreign talent. While allowing a small number of gay bars, restaurants and saunas to thrive, homosexual acts are still outlawed and carry a prison term of up to two years. Even such frivolities as gay picnics with participants clad in pink are prohibited.

"The government's stand is full of absurdities," said Alex Au, the 54-year-old founder of the gay rights group People Like Us. "Changes are coming slowly, but the pace is frustrating."

"Singapore takes one step forward, one step backwards and one step sideways," Au added.

The message sent to homosexuals abroad by recent events would not encourage gays to relocate to the Singapore state, said activist Charles Tan, referring to those who are used to being openly gay.

"Life for local gays is not really life when disclosure often results in ostracism by families, isolation at school and little chance of a job," said 30-year-old Tan.

An onslaught of contradictions emerged during the recent third annual gay pride festival.

Licenses were denied for an exhibition scheduled to show 80 photographs of same-sex people kissing and the reading of a story about a young man's fantasies of sex with older men, including government and military officials. Discussions led by foreigners were also ruled out, along with the picnic and a gay run.

In rejecting the display of photographs, the Media Development Authority said that homosexual-themed content was permissible in an "appropriate context," but should not be of a "promotional or exploitative nature."

Brief same-sex kissing has been allowed in plays and movies restricted to those 21 or over, the regulator said. The exhibition was deemed as promoting "a homosexual lifestyle" and not allowed.

In banning the picnic and run, police said they were "contrary to public interest" in the highly conservative city-state of 5.6 million people who are predominantly Chinese. Muslim Malays make up 14 per cent and Indians 7 per cent, with the remainder a variety of ethnic groups.

Other Asian countries which were former British colonies with laws regarding homosexual sex as a crime include India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Hong Kong, a strong economic rival, decriminalized gay sex in 1991.

The latest constitution in Thailand, another competitor, grants equal rights for homosexuals.

The government announced plans last year to decriminalize heterosexual oral and anal sex between consenting men and women, but kept the ban on homosexual sex, infuriating the gay community.

While seldom enforced, activist Tan said that the statute alone is enough to keep gay foreigners away, regardless of their talents. Singapore is eager to become a cultural hub.

Au said he still regarded the festival as a success since far more events were allowed than rejected. Other forums and readings went on without interference. Even a sculpture of a man's genitals shaped from vegetables was left untouched.

"We would never have been able to hold such a series of activities ten years ago, Au said, adding he is hopeful of more easing of restrictions in the long-term.

Estimates of the number of homosexuals range from 6 to 8 per cent of the population to as many as 400,000.

"When gays from overseas regard Singapore, they figure it`s their money that is wanted, primarily through tourism," Au noted.

The government acknowledges gays serve in the civil service. Some advertisements for apartments are subtly aimed at homosexual and liberal heterosexual lifestyles.

Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's founding father who currently holds the post of minister mentor in the administration of his son, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, said in April that homosexuality is genetic.

"We should not go around like this moral police, barging into people's bedrooms. That's not our business," he said.

He subsequently said the law would have to be changed eventually to keep in step with the rest of the world, a statement some seized on as an indication that the government might move towards more liberalization.

"The government makes small gestures," said Au, referring to Lee Kuan Yew's comments and those by former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong that homosexuals "are like you and me" and should not face discrimination.

"What isn't understood is how important gay identity is to gay people," Au said.

Actor Ian McKellen, in Singapore in July performing in William Shakespeare's King Lear, spoke out far more strongly than local gays dare.

"It's about time Singapore grew up, I think, and realized that gay people are here to stay," said the British star, who was in Lord of the Rings.

"Just treat us with respect like we treat everybody else and the world will be a better place."

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