Blog entry 5

Pub Date: 18/09/2007 Pub: ST Page: H11Day: TuesdayEdition: FIRSTHeadline: Male homosexual sex to remain a crimeBy: RADHA BASUPage Heading: HOMESubject: POLITICAL/GENERAL NEWS^CRIME/NATIONAL SECURITY^CRIME/COURTS^SEX OFFENCES POLITICAL/GENERAL NEWS^GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS^PARLIAMENTSource: SPH

This article talks about the most hotly debated topic in Singapore, homosexuality, particularly male homosexuality. It discusses the recent review of the Penal Code, which drew certain responses from the minority few.
In a recent NTU survey conducted, 70% of the populace was still against the notion of homosexuality, which serves as an indication of the conservativeness of our society. It was, however, a decrease in as compared to an 80-something% of the population who said no a few years back when they conducted the same survey. This shows that indeed Singapore is started to shake off its shackles which bonded her to old values and traditions. We must admit that in this modern day and age, homosexuality is becoming a more widely accepted way of life. Which is why in Singapore, more and more people are being more open to homosexuality, some even becoming one.
With regards to the Penal Code retaining Section 377a, many people responded to it very strongly, blasting the government as being conservative, unreceptive and discriminative. They argue that homosexuality should not be made a crime, because science says that homosexuality is inborn, so the person really has no say in his sexual orientation. However, we must look from the government’s point of view. As said in the article, Section 377a of the Penal Code was retained due to strong majority support. It acted in the best interests of the community as a whole, so since most people do not accept homosexual sex as yet, the government had to criminalize it. It also said that although male homosexual sex was to remain a crime, it would not actively pursue and charge anyone who engages in it, so long as they do not get found out. It shows that the government did take into considering the viewpoints of gays, and does not hope to totally eradicate homosexuality.
Personally, I being a Christian and having grown up in the values of Christianity, am strongly against homosexuality. However, it does not mean that I despise the homosexual. Like the proverb says “love the sinner, hate the sin”. I believe that all homosexuals are good people, apart from the fact that they are homosexual. However if I were to look at the issue from a viewpoint of a normal person, I would support the governments decision to criminalize gay sex, but at the same time I would not condemn homosexuals to eternal damnation. I don’t think I could ever feel what the homosexuals are feeling with regards to the outlawing of their favorite activity, but I certainly hope that they understand why the government did what they did, and to take it in their stride. Perhaps, one day they might actually get what they wish for, but for now the best that could happen would be for both sides to understand each other, and not force their own way.