Wear Pink and White

Big turnout at Pink Dot gathering
No incidents despite contentious lead-up with religious groups voicing opposition
By Aw Cheng Wei, The Sunday Times, 29 Jun 2014

The annual Pink Dot gathering proceeded without incident yesterday, despite a contentious lead-up in recent weeks that saw religious groups speaking out against the annual event and organisers hiring security guards as a precaution.

Organisers said a record 26,000 people attended the concert-cum-mass picnic, held at Hong Lim Park for the sixth year running.

Participants turned up for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) event dressed in pink to show their support for the "freedom to love" regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

About 20 security officers were seen on patrol. They were hired for the first time to respond "if anything happens", event spokesman Paerin Choa told reporters before the event. But there was no trouble reported.

Leading up to the event, Muslim and Christian groups had spoken up against it, saying homosexuality undermined family values.

Mr Choa said "the extent of this year's negativity has been unprecedented".

Attendance at the event has grown from 2,500 the first time it was held, in 2009, to 21,000 last year.

Over the years, it has also attracted big-name sponsors such as Google, Barclays, BP, JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs, and the nearby hotel ParkRoyal on Pickering.

Muslim religious teacher Noor Deros launched a Wear White campaign asking Muslims to dress in white as a symbol of "purity" and to signal their opposition to homosexuality. It kicked off yesterday, the eve of the first day of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

The movement won the support of Pastor Lawrence Khong of Faith Community Baptist Church, who has urged members from his church and the LoveSingapore network of more than 100 churches to wear white this weekend.

Referring to these developments, Mr Choa said yesterday: "We're not here to create strife in society. We want to let people know that gay people are very much like everyone else. We love our families... we don't understand why being LGBT, or pushing for our freedom to love, undermines any family values."

Among those at the Pink Dot event were actors Selena Tan and Sebastian Tan who sang to the crowd. Blogger Mr Miyagi, urban artist Samantha Lo and lawyer M. Ravi spoke about experiences of the LGBT community here.

Other recognisable faces included Nominated Member of Parliament Janice Koh, who was an event ambassador, social activist Vincent Wijeysingha and blogger Roy Ngerng.

About 20 people told The Sunday Times that the Wear White campaign did not affect their decision to attend.

Full-time national serviceman Wong An Jie, 20, however, showed up for the first time to make a point.

While acknowledging that supporters of the Wear White campaign had a right to be heard, he said: "With this Wear White campaign, the supporters of the freedom to love have to band together even more. Those sitting on the fence should attend too, and not become part of the silent majority."

The rally drew to a close with its traditional formation of a "pink dot" at sunset, as participants - standing in the shape of a circle enclosing a heart - held up torches, mobile phones and light sticks.

It coincided with fireworks from the National Day Parade rehearsal happening nearby.

Given the attendance, Mr Choa said the organisers will apply for a larger venue in future.

"However, we also understand that the Government has different sensitivities to balance, and we respect (its) decision," he added.

No, I wasn't abused by priest, says Vincent
By Jalelah Abu Baker, My Paper, 7 Jul 2014

FORMER opposition politician Vincent Wijeysingha has rejected the Catholic Church's offer to investigate an episode he had mentioned in a Facebook post.

In fact, he says, he did not consider himself to have been abused by a priest when he was a teenager.

In response to a letter from the Church offering to pursue the case that he cited, Dr Wijeysingha said that he had "made no specific allegation of abuse against a priest".

His latest post came after the Church invited him to make a complaint about the alleged incident that took place when he was 15 years old.

Dr Wijeysingha, 44, first made public the "sorry incident" in a Facebook post on June 23.

In it, he had referred to a priest "who would engage me in play wrestling and attempt to touch my crotch in the process".

He also claimed that the priest took a stack of pornographic magazines from his wardrobe in his bedroom to show him.

However, in his latest post on the issue on Saturday, Dr Wijeysingha, Singapore's first openly gay politician, said: "It was an attempt without any conclusion and therefore I consider myself neither to have been abused nor damaged subsequently."

Referring to the incident as an alleged molestation attempt, the Church had suggested that Dr Wijeysingha either report to the police or to the Catholic Archdiocese Professional Standards Office (PSO).

The PSO oversees procedures dealing with specific allegations of misconduct against clergy, employees and lay volunteers of the Church.

In its letter, the Church wrote: "Please be assured that in the PSO inquiry the determination of the truth will be the paramount objective, and the findings, even if adverse to the Church, will be disclosed."

In response, Dr Wijeysingha criticised the Church for its stand on homosexuality, saying that "the Church's attitude to homosexuals like myself has damaged me far more and continues to damage homosexual people".

He added that until the Church is "willing to publicly acknowledge its responsibility for these problems it has created and undertake a sweeping reform of its teachings on sexuality", he cannot see any good coming from engaging with it.

The first post from Dr Wijeysingha, who quit the Singapore Democratic Party last year, came two days after the Church stated its stand on the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) issue.

When contacted yesterday, he declined to elaborate.

Associate Professor Eugene Tan from Singapore Management University said Dr Wijeysingha's allegations, and then his reluctance to follow up on them, make it difficult for people to take him seriously.

"For him now to effectively avoid the matter damages his standing and his credibility," he said.

He added that Dr Wijeysingha should be well aware of the serious allegations he made against a respected institution, and that he owes the Church an apology.

Catholic Church asks Vincent Wijeysingha to lodge complaint on molest claims
By Andrea Ong, The Straits Times, 5 Jul 2014

The Catholic Church has invited civil society activist Vincent Wijeysingha to lodge a complaint with its body that deals with misconduct in order to investigate his claim that a priest tried to molest him when he was a teenager.

It has also suggested that he make a police report.

The Catholic Archdiocese Professional Standards Office (PSO) oversees procedures dealing with specific allegations of misconduct against clergy, employees and lay volunteers of the Catholic Church.

The Archbishop's office on Saturday said it is standard procedure for the PSO to get in touch with anyone who makes an allegation against the Church.

"Without the complainant filing a report, we cannot commence investigations," it said.

It added that its "preference is for all criminal acts to be reported to the police".

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Dr Wijeysingha, 44, shared what he said were the contents of a letter from the PSO that was sent on Friday, and his reply to it.

In that reply, he said he had made no specific allegation of abuse against the priest in his original post on June 23.

"It was an attempt without any conclusion and therefore I consider myself neither to have been abused nor damaged subsequently," he said.

Dr Wijeysingha, Singapore's first openly gay politician who quit the Singapore Democratic Party last year, also continued to criticise the Church for its stand on homosexuality, saying that "the church's attitude to homosexuals like myself has damaged me far more and continues to damage homosexual people".

He added that until the Church is "willing to publicly acknowledge its responsibility for these problems it has created and undertake a sweeping reform of its teachings on sexuality", he cannot see any good coming from engaging with it.

Archbishop clarifies message on gay lifestyle
Catholic leader maintains stance against LGBT sexual relationships
By Audrey Tan, The Straits Times, 4 Jul 2014

THE head of the Catholic Church in Singapore yesterday apologised for a statement he made last month on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues if it had been considered insensitive.

But in his latest letter to the faithful, Archbishop William Goh maintained the church's stance against LGBT sexual relationships, saying a group is being formed to help those with same-sex orientation.

Last month, in a message read at Singapore's 30 Catholic churches, he said a family unit comprises a father, mother and children; and that LGBT sexual relationships are "not in accordance with the plan of God".

It was met with a number of negative reactions, Archbishop Goh said in yesterday's letter, which was posted on the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore's website.

"You have expressed hurt, anger and disappointment that the Church, like the rest of society, seemed to ostracise you and showed inconsistency in her preaching of compassion, by not approving of your freedom to love," he said.

But he stressed that while he is "not indifferent" to the frustration felt by Catholics with same-sex orientation, he is obligated to instruct his flock "in accordance with the teachings of the Universal Church".

He clarified that the Church does not disapprove of loving, non-sexual relationships between two people of the same sex, saying: "Same-sex inclination in itself is not a sin but as love often seeks to express itself physically, the challenge (is) to be chaste and faithful."

He added that such unions have negative implications for the family and society, citing how children of these partnerships could develop identity crises. "This is what I was referring to in my initial statement when I used the terms 'detriment' and 'destructive'. They do not refer to the individual but the consequences of such a union on society."

In his June 21 message, he said the LGBT lifestyle "should not be promoted by Catholics as it is detrimental to society".

The Archbishop's letter comes amid debates on the LGBT issue prompted by a Wear White campaign by an Islamic religious teacher to protest against homosexuality during last Saturday's Pink Dot event - an annual event celebrating freedom to love. The Wear White campaign was backed by some Christian churches though the Pink Dot event took place without incident.

Catholic Genevieve Liao, 25, said she was surprised by the Archbishop's letter of apology. "I didn't think there was a need because the letter was misunderstood," said the teacher. "However, I'm glad he did as it showed sincerity."

A Pink Dot spokesman said it hopes to work closely with religious leaders to address issues faced by the LGBT community.

He said: "We welcome (the Archbishop's) unique input and perspective and are curious to find out more about his experiences counselling children of same-sex parents."

Muslims turn up in white - for many, it's tradition
By Maryam Mokhtar, Nur Asyiqin Mohamad Salleh and Aw Cheng Wei, The Sunday Times, 29 Jun 2014

Muslims turned up in white at mosques around Singapore yesterday evening, but not all did so to support a Wear White campaign to protest against homosexuality.

Many at four mosques told The Sunday Times that they usually wear white to pray, and especially at last night's special Terawih prayers to mark the start of the fasting month of Ramadan today.

Wearing white was something encouraged by Prophet Muhammad, they said.

At the Assyakirin Mosque in Jurong, retiree Mohamad Rahman, 52, referred to the Wear White campaign started by religious teacher Noor Deros and said: "I usually go for prayers wearing white because it's the Prophet's way, not because of this campaign.

"They are hijacking our first Terawih prayer and I'm not happy. This is supposed to be the holy month."

Mr Noor urged Muslims to dress in white to protest against homosexuality and the Pink Dot event that was held yesterday. He gained the support of some Christian and Muslim groups last week.

At the Ar-Raudhah Mosque in Bukit Batok, where some of the Wear White campaign organisers went to pray, a group of at least 40 turned up in white to support the campaign.

The organisers had said on Facebook on Friday that they would be at the mosque, and initially planned to take a group photograph outside the mosque where Singapore Mufti Fatris Bakaram was due to deliver a lecture.

But The Sunday Times understands that the campaign organisers decided instead to split up, heading for different mosques around Singapore.

Campaign leader Noor did not turn up at Ar-Raudhah, choosing instead to pray at Hajar Consultancy Services at Joo Chiat Complex, where he teaches religious classes.

A supporter said Mr Noor preferred not to speak to reporters and would issue a statement eventually, because the start of Ramadan "should be spiritual".

Among the campaign's supporters at Ar-Raudhah was doctoral student Walid Jumblatt, 29, who said the campaign had raised awareness among Muslims about the issue of homosexuality.

"Before this you didn't get anybody talking about homosexuality in Islam, but now because of this, people are discussing how to bring homosexual Muslims back to fitrah," he said, using the Arabic word for "natural".

This, he added, should be done with compassion and concern, not by alienation. He said the Wear White campaign has been non-confrontational, inclusive, and tolerant in its approach.

Looking forward to it continuing beyond yesterday, he said: "I think the spirit of discussion must always be kept open and must be kept alive.

"To prevent any religious group from speaking about their own religion to their own community, I think that's a bit unfair."

Throughout yesterday, supporters also went online to Facebook to post pictures of themselves dressed in white.

Organisers said that they had received 300 images of supporters from Singapore and abroad.

Aside from wearing white, some also held up campaign fliers.

Muis tells Muslims not to support un-Islamic events
Message is part of sermon delivered on eve of Pink Dot picnic
By Maryam Mokhtar, The Straits Times, 28 Jun 2014

MUSLIMS across Singapore were yesterday reminded during their weekly Friday prayers to guard against supporting or participating in un-Islamic behaviour as they begin their holy month of Ramadan.

The sermon by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, or Muis, was delivered on the eve of today's Pink Dot event.

While it did not make any specific reference to the pro-gay event at Hong Lim Park, it urged congregants across 68 mosques to respect Ramadan by not taking part in activities that encourage lifestyles contrary to the teachings of Islam.

The event today coincides with the eve of Ramadan, which begins tomorrow.

"The month of Ramadan is a month of forgiveness, so let us not let ourselves and our families continue to drown in sins and acts of transgression," said the sermon published on Muis' website.

"Respect the purity of this month by not taking part in activities and events that will lead to or encourage lifestyles that are against the teachings of Islam."

It added that if they had friends and relatives inclined to participate in such activities, "then we should reach out to them, help them and gently remind them".

This point was among the several steps Muslims were encouraged to follow as they prepare to usher in Ramadan.

On the same day, non-profit Islamic organisation Muhamma-diyah Association also shared on its Facebook page a more strongly worded sermon condemning homosexuality.

It also did not specifically name the Pink Dot picnic.

But the sermon, delivered in Malay by Ustaz Muhammad Azri Azman last Friday, referred to an event "encouraging homosexual lifestyle" taking place today, which "encourages sin" and goes against the natural state of a family unit.

In its sixth year, the annual Pink Dot picnic has been under scrutiny because of an Islamic religious teacher-led campaign protesting against it and homosexuality.

Known as the Wear White campaign, it urges people to wear white during the first evening prayers for Ramadan tonight as a symbol of protest. The campaign has received the support of various Christian and Muslim groups.

Last week, the Office of the Mufti issued an advisory to mosque officers with guidelines on how to address issues related to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

It also advised staff and the various mosque management boards to avoid getting caught in the crossfire between the Wear White campaign and Pink Dot.

Police issue public advisory to 'keep the peace' at Pink Dot event

By Nur Asyiqin Mohamad Salleh, The Straits Times, 27 Jun 2014

THE police yesterday issued an advisory to the public ahead of this Saturday's Pink Dot event, urging attendees to "keep the peace" and reminding organisers to steer clear of race and religion.

This is the first time the authorities have done so in the five years since the pro-gay event was first held, and comes as the event organisers have taken the unprecedented move of deploying security personnel to manage crowds and potential "unruly behaviour".

These moves have come as Muslim and Christian groups have called on people to join a "Wear White" campaign against Pink Dot and homosexuality, raising the prospect of a protest at the event itself.

But last night, the people behind the Wear White campaign told its supporters to stay away.

"It should be an event that no Muslim is associated with. This includes going to the event to dissuade anyone," they said in a Facebook post. "We should make them irrelevant. They should not define how Muslims behave."

Instead, with the Pink Dot picnic coinciding with the start of Ramadan, it urged supporters to head to the mosque for prayers.

Yesterday's police advisory reminded organisers to ensure that activities are not against the law or the rules governing the use of the Hong Lim Park area, including keeping away from issues like race or religion.

The police have not been in direct contact with the organisers, a Pink Dot spokesman said, but the advisory is welcome.

Over the past five years, he said, Pink Dot has abided by the rules and regulations of the Speakers' Corner without incident. This, as attendance grew from 2,500 people at the inaugural event in 2009 to 21,000 last year.

"This year's event will be no different," he added. The committee is also mindful of the rules involving race and religion, he said, and Pink Dot is a "secular event that embraces all Singaporeans".

And the committee will continue to urge the public to "remain calm, exercise restraint and engage each other in peaceful, constructive dialogue", he added.

First-aid teams and doctors will also be on standby, and over a hundred volunteers will help manage the crowd and keep the park clean, he said.

The Wear White campaign was launched by Islamic religious teacher Noor Deros to protest against Pink Dot and homosexuality, by wearing white to the first evening prayer this Saturday to mark the start of the fasting month of Ramadan.

Reverend Lawrence Khong, founder and senior pastor of Faith Community Baptist Church, has backed this, with the LoveSingapore network of churches asking its congregants to also don white this weekend.

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, or Muis, has warned mosques not to get caught in the crossfire between the campaign and the Pink Dot event, while the Government has urged parties to avoid conflict and accommodate differences.

Gay lifestyle against Bible, says Council of Churches
By Robin Chan, The Straits Times, 26 Jun 2014

AMID protests by various groups against this Saturday's Pink Dot event, the National Council of Churches of Singapore issued a statement last night to all its members reiterating that homosexual and bisexual practices go against the teachings of the Bible.

But it does not condemn those who struggle with their sexual orientation or gender identity, it added.

The council, which represents more than half of the 500 or so churches here, urged members of the Christian community to "always act with grace and restraint should they engage with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community over the coming event".

It noted that current discourse on the issue has been "prompted by the intention of the LGBT community to hold a Pink Dot picnic" this Saturday, and that it has "generated strong reactions among Singaporeans, including Christians".

Therefore, it was issuing the statement to its members "in the interest of clearing up the matter concerning human sexuality for members of the Christian public who may be confused".

The statement comes days after Archibishop William Goh, in a similar vein last weekend, maintained that the family unit comprises a father, mother and children. His statement, read out at 30 Catholic churches, also said LGBT sexual relationships are "not in accordance with the plan of God".

These responses come in the lead up to the Pink Dot gathering, which supports equality for the LGBT community in Singapore.

A campaign started by an Islamic religious teacher has called for people to wear white to protest the event, which takes place on the eve of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. It has received the backing of various Christian and Muslim groups.

Pink Dot rally organisers open to ‘constructive discussion’
Saddened that certain quarters have reacted negatively towards its efforts at creating a more loving society, organisers say.
Channel NewsAsia, 25 Jun 2014

The organisers of the annual Pink Dot gathering have responded to the wave of controversy that has erupted in the wake of the Wear White campaign launched by an Islamic religious teacher against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) movement.

In a statement issued on Tuesday (June 24), a spokesperson for the Pink Dot organising committee said it was saddened “certain quarters have reacted negatively to our efforts at creating a more loving and embracing society”. Calling on all parties to “exercise restraint”, the spokesperson said the Pink Dot welcomed any opportunity to engage in “thoughtful and constructive discussion”.

The Wear White movement called on Muslims to wear white this Saturday – the same day as the Pink Dot rally – as a sign of protest against homosexuality, sparking off statements from various faith groups expressing their stand on the LGBT issue, including the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore and the Catholic Church.

Faith Community Baptist Church pastor Lawrence Khong, who has been outspoken on the issue, has declared his support for the movement, urging like-minded groups to come together to oppose Pink Dot “before it is too late”.

Muslim student group backs 'Wear White'
It is latest to voice support for campaign against homosexuality
By Nur Asyiqin Mohamad Salleh, The Straits Times, 25 Jun 2014

THE Fellowship of Muslim Students Association (FMSA) yesterday became the latest group to back the Wear White campaign which is protesting against homosexuality and this Saturday's Pink Dot event.

In a four-page statement, it said it supports the campaign as an initiative responding to the "growing boldness of advocates of the homosexual lifestyle" here.

The FMSA, a non-profit group that reaches out to Muslim societies in tertiary institutions here, also described the Pink Dot event as a gathering advocating the acceptance of a "hedonistic lifestyle" that goes against the moral code of Islam and other faiths, and voiced support for public education against homosexuality.

The Wear White campaign was started by an Islamic religious teacher and urges Muslims to wear white during the first evening prayer for the fasting month of Ramadan on Saturday.

It has received support from Reverend Lawrence Khong, founder and senior pastor of Faith Community Baptist Church.

He said the LoveSingapore network of churches will ask congregants to wear white this weekend, and in a Facebook post on Monday, he also called for "a stop to the public promotion of the Pink Dot movement".

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, or Muis, has advised mosque officials not to get caught in the crossfire between the Wear White campaign and the Pink Dot event that calls for equality, among other things, for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community (LGBT).

Last weekend, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam both had, when asked about the LGBT issue, called for parties not to be confrontational and divisive over differences.

The Pink Dot event has, for the last three years, been held on the last Saturday of June.

Yesterday, when asked about more groups backing the Wear White campaign, a Pink Dot spokesman said it was never its intention to create rifts within society. He added the organising committee is "saddened" that some parties have reacted negatively to efforts at "creating a more loving and embracing society".

The committee, he said, had also checked the calendar on the Muis website and with friends within the Muslim community before deciding to have the event this Saturday. He urged all parties to "exercise restraint and engage each other in dialogue" in order to strengthen Singapore society and foster greater solidarity.

He added: "Pink Dot also welcomes the opportunity to meet with any and all parties who wish to engage with us in thoughtful and constructive discussion."

Activist claims priest tried to molest him
By Nur Asyiqin Mohamad Salleh, The Straits Times, 25 Jun 2014

CIVIL society activist Vincent Wijeysingha, 44, claims a Catholic priest tried to molest him when he was a teenager.

He made the allegation on Monday night in a Facebook post that attacked the Catholic church for its stand, expressed last Saturday, that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) relations are "not in accordance with the plan of God".

In response, the Church said yesterday its "stand on sexuality should not be distorted".

It added that the intent of Archbishop William Goh's statement last weekend was "to clarify to the Catholic Faithful its position with regard to the family... not to engage in a debate on the issue of LGBT purely on the level of reason, because faith while not opposed to reason, transcends reason".

The statement from the Arch- diocese Communications Office, however, did not comment on Dr Wijeysingha's molest claim.

In the Archbishop's weekend statement, read out during mass at 30 churches across Singapore, he said the family unit comprises a father, mother and children.

But the Church recognises there are individuals attracted to people of the same sex, he added, and discrimination of any kind should not be condoned, as "regardless of their sexual orientation... (they are) worthy of love and respect".

His statement was issued amid protests by some groups over the Pink Dot event this Saturday.

But for Dr Wijeysingha, Singapore's first openly gay politician who quit the Singapore Democratic Party last year, it was the catalyst for his decision to make public the alleged incident when he was 15 years old.

He wrote in his Facebook post that he met a priest "who would engage me in play wrestling and attempt to touch my crotch in the process".

The priest also took him once to his bedroom to show him a stack of pornographic magazines stashed in his wardrobe.

The incident "didn't damage me", he said.

He then went on to condemn the Archbishop's statement for "its cynical attempt to portray the church as a compassionate and empathetic organisation concerned for the souls of LGBT people".

Referring to the child abuse cases that had rocked the Catholic Church in Europe and the United States, he added: "Today, it has no authority whatsoever, moral or otherwise, to comment on whom I can and cannot love."

When contacted yesterday, he declined to comment further.

Catholic Church defines family unit in weekend mass

Archbishop's statement aims to clear the air among its believers on gay issues, urges compassion and respect
By Audrey Tan, The Straits Times, 23 Jun 2014

THE Catholic Church, in response to what it describes as confusion among the faithful about what comprises a family unit, has issued a statement addressing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues.

The statement by Archbishop William Goh was read out during mass at the 30 Catholic churches in Singapore over the weekend.

"The LGBT movement is gaining momentum. Some of you are confused and are asking what the Church's position is with regard to the family," he said in the statement, which was also posted on the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore's website.

In it, Archbishop Goh maintained that the family unit comprises a father, mother and children; and that LGBT sexual relationships are "not in accordance with the plan of God".

But he also said the Church recognises that there are individuals who are attracted to people of the same sex.

"Regardless of their sexual orientation... (they are) worthy of love and respect," he said, adding that discrimination of any kind should not be condoned.

Instead, he asked Catholics to exercise compassion, acceptance, understanding and mutual respect.

Catholic Jileen Tan, 50, said she agreed fully with the message.

The personal assistant, who heard the Archbishop's message at the Church of the Holy Cross in Clementi yesterday morning, said: "We need to exercise empathy and compassion towards those living LGBT lifestyles, but it cannot mean we condone their way of life."

The Catholic Church is the latest religious organisation to join others who have spoken up on the issue.

Various religious groups have weighed in following a Wear White campaign launched by an Islamic religious teacher to protest against homosexuality during next week's Pink Dot event. His effort was supported by the LoveSingapore network of churches, which has said it would ask congregants to wear white on June 28 and 29.

Last Friday, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) sent a memo to mosque staff advising them against being confrontational or vilifying those who lead the LGBT lifestyle, or who attend the June 28 Pink Dot event, organised in support of the LGBT community.

Last Saturday, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim had also urged Singaporeans to be big-hearted and to accommodate differences in opinions and choices, to avoid dividing society.

Speaking at the launch of Ramadan celebrations at the Ahmad Ibrahim Mosque in Sembawang yesterday, he stressed that Islam was inclusive and all-embracing.

"The mosque is a neutral religious platform, it is there to serve the Muslim community of all shades. If you are there to fulfil your religious obligations, the mosque will be there for you," he said.

Statement calls for greater dialogue on LGBT issue
By Nur Asyiqin Mohamad Salleh, The Straits Times, 23 Jun 2014

MEMBERS of civil society yesterday issued a statement calling for greater dialogue on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, or LGBT, issue.

Over the span of just two days, the statement has been signed by 217 individuals, including writers, activists and academics.

Nine organisations, including Maruah, Aware and the Free Community Church - which accepts same-sex and transgender relationships - have also put their names down in support.

The statement is in response to the Wear White campaign launched by an Islamic religious teacher to protest against homosexuality.

It expressed concern that the LGBT issue is being portrayed as one that pits religious believers against those holding secular beliefs, calling this a "false dichotomy".

Many religious leaders and organisations both in Singapore and around the world have expressed support for LGBT equality, it said.

And values like democracy, justice and equality form the ethical structure of many religions, and should function as a "bridge" that spans the religious and non-religious spectrum, it added.

The statement called for greater dialogue involving the full range of views about the LGBT issue, geared towards fostering understanding and tolerance.

These dialogues, it said, should be underscored by compassion and knowledge instead of ignorance, hatred and prejudice.

The statement also affirmed that Singapore is built on principles such as justice and equality, and called for a halt to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

It spoke out against the "continuous dehumanising portrayal" of members of the LGBT community, who have suffered a range of abuses including ostracisation.

Calls on social media for the public shaming of those in the LGBT circle must end, it added.

Mosques should not be taking sides: Dr Yaacob

Channel NewsAsia, 22 Jun 2014

Mosques are neutral religious places and should not be taking sides.

Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Dr Yaacob Ibrahim said mosques as an institution are inclusive and exist to serve the Muslim community.

Dr Yaacob said this when asked by reporters about the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) issue at the launch of "Touch of Ramadan" celebrations at Ahmad Ibrahim Mosque on Sunday (June 22) morning.

The Muslim Religious Council (MUIS) issued an advisory on Friday (June 20) which cautioned against adopting a "confrontational approach" towards those who are involved in LGBT lifestyles.

Dr Yaacob said: "It is important for us to remember that mosque is a neutral religious platform. It is there to serve the Muslim community of all shapes, shades. And if you are there to fulfil your religious obligations, the mosque will be there for you.

"At the same time, the mosque can allow other activities such as social activities and we want to reach out to as many Muslims as possible. It has to be on a note which is inclusive, all-embracing and that was the purpose of the advisory so that we don't take sides, and more importantly we open our doors to anyone.

"And if you respect the mosque, you are welcome to the mosque because the mosque is a place for us to do our worship, to do good activities, social activities, bring people together and that's what we want to continue to maintain."

MUIS urges mosques not to take confrontational stand on LGBT lifestyles
By Laura Elizabeth Philomin, TODAY, 21 Jun 2014

The Republic’s highest Islamic authority has called on mosques “not to adopt a confrontational approach or vilify those who are involved in LGBT lifestyles or in events such as Pink Dot”, referring to the annual event that will be held next Saturday at the Speakers’ Corner in support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

In an internal advisory issued to the mosques, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) said it was against the promotion of the LBGT lifestyle, but that “support and help” must be given to those who have been leading the lifestyle or have inclinations towards it.

It said: “We do not agree (or) approve (of) the pervasiveness of the LGBT lifestyle and we cannot agree to the efforts in promoting such a lifestyle. Nevertheless, we have to plan for something which will not only strengthen the resilience of our community to the LGBT lifestyle, but also help those who have been leading this lifestyle abstain from it and, at the same time, help those who have inclinations towards this lifestyle overcome those inclinations by providing support to them.”

Programmes conducted in the mosques must also not be seen as a movement to oppose these people, said the advisory which was dated yesterday and signed off by the council’s director of religious development, Mr Mohd Murat Aris. The advisory was circulated on social media by Facebook users and MUIS verified its contents when contacted by TODAY.

It also highlighted key points from a pre-Ramadan discussion held by the Office of the Mufti on June 12 for mosque religious officers, social development officers and youth development officers. The session was intended for Mufti Mohamed Fatris Bakaram to provide guidelines on the issue of “building (the Muslim community’s) resilience towards the LGBT lifestyle”.

For example, the mosques should stress in their Ramadan programmes the pro-family message and the importance of educating family members, so they would not be involved in LGBT-related activities. Nevertheless, the issue should not be the sole focus throughout Ramadan, the Mufti said.

On the non-confrontational approach, MUIS said: “This is first and foremost to avoid them distancing themselves from the religion and the mosque. Secondly, this is to avoid being involved in unnecessary arguments with them, which will impede our long-term efforts (on the issue). At the same time, we also do not want them to get unwanted publicity.”

The advisory also asked the mosques “not to be seen as being involved in the crossfire” between the Pink Dot and the Wear White campaign, which was started online by Mr Noor Deros, a 28-year-old Islamic religious teacher.

Mr Noor is calling on Muslims to wear white next Saturday to protest against homosexuality and defend traditional family values. Ramadan begins next Sunday and the first evening prayer to mark the fasting month will be held on the previous day.

Yesterday, Mr Noor reiterated his call for Muslims to wear white to the evening prayer. In a press statement put up on the movement’s website, he said it hopes to continue promoting “family-focused” campaigns throughout the year. He reiterated that the “informal grassroots” movement has “no membership or institutionalised committee”.

The Wear White Facebook page has attracted almost 3,000 likes so far. However, it has also attracted criticism from some social media users for being divisive, especially during Ramadan.

Earlier this week, findings from a survey conducted by the Institute of Policy Studies showed that Muslims and Protestant Christians feel most strongly about moral issues such as homosexual sex, sex before marriage, adoption of children by gay couples and gambling.

Yesterday, Faith Community Baptist Church (FCBC) senior pastor Lawrence Khong declared his support for the Wear White campaign. He said the FCBC and LoveSingapore network of churches will also encourage their members to wear white next weekend as a show of support. “I’m so happy Singapore’s Muslim community is making a vocal and visual stand for morality and family,” he said.

Last month, the Ministry of Social and Family Development rejected an application by an affiliate of TOUCH Community Services — which was founded by Mr Khong — to hold a pro-family event at the Padang. Participants had been asked to wear red to the event, which was to be held on June 28, the same day as Pink Dot.

Ministers Urge for Accommodation of Differences of Opinion and Restraint in Matters of Religion and Personal Preferences

Handle matters on religion, personal preference with restraint: Tharman

Channel NewsAsia, 21 Jun 2014

Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said matters that have to do with religion and personal preference have to be handled with balance and restraint.

He was responding to questions from the media about an online campaign launched by a religious leader urging fellow Muslims to wear white on June 28, to protest homosexuality and the Pink Dot event at Hong Lim Park on the same day.

Mr Tharman, who is also the finance minister, said most Singaporeans are "very moderate people" and he does not think the situation will escalate.

He said: “All these matters, we just have to exercise a sense of balance and restraint, especially when it comes to matters that have to do with religion and personal preferences.

"We just have to be a society where you don't go pushing your own beliefs and preferences, but at the same time everyone keeps the balance in society and avoids creating conflict.

“So it's something that requires active management on everyone's part.

"I'm glad that MUIS (Islamic Religious Council of Singapore) has done so and I hope that everyone, certainly the Muslim community I know, is glad that guidance has been given."

Mr Tharman also said that while Singaporeans want a vibrant civil society and political discourse, society must also avoid xenophobia and racism.

He was responding to questions about a recent blog post that targeted Filipinos in Singapore.

"We have a fringe of people, actually all societies have this fringe. In fact, this fringe is getting larger in some other parts of the world, and we've got to make sure that it doesn't get larger in Singapore.

"A fringe of people that acts far more irresponsibly when it's anonymous and it's on social media, than I suspect they do in real life -- we've got to make sure that fringe remains minuscule, and in fact it knows that it's not supported by the rest of Singapore because Singaporeans don't like this, it's not our style.

"And I'm glad that each time this happens, the majority of Singaporeans say they don't like it."

Accommodate differences of opinion in society, urges Dr Yaacob
Channel NewsAsia, 21 Jun 2014

In a multicultural society such as Singapore, there are bound to be differences of opinion, thus it is important to work in a spirit of quiet consultation and accommodation in dealing with such differences, said Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim.

Dr Yaacob was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an award ceremony organised by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) on Saturday.

His comments came after an online campaign was launched by a religious teacher urging fellow Muslims to wear white on June 28 as a sign of protest against homosexuality.

The online campaign was followed by an advisory from MUIS, which cautioned against adopting a "confrontational approach" towards those who are involved in LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) lifestyles.

Dr Yaacob, who is also the minister for communications and information, said: "So the approach that MUIS has taken, the advisory, is a right advisory because ultimately, what we want to do is avoid dividing society, dividing the community.

“Let us find the big-heartedness that we have, to accommodate differences that exist in any society.

"That is the approach that we should have taken and I think that is the approach that MUIS has adopted and that's the approach that I'd like to encourage all -- not just Muslims -- in Singapore to deal with differences."

Religious teacher launches 'wear white' online campaign
Aim is to protest against homosexuality, he says
By Rachel Au-yong And Nur Asyiqin Mohamad Salleh, The Straits Times, 20 Jun 2014

AN ISLAMIC religious teacher has launched an online campaign asking Muslims to wear white next Saturday evening to protest against homosexuality and defend traditional family values.

Ustaz Noor Deros, 28, is behind the Wear White Facebook page and website and is asking Muslims to "return to fitrah" - the Arabic word for "natural" - and support "what is good and pure".

The Muslim month of Ramadan starts on Sunday next week and the first evening prayer to mark the fasting month will be held on Saturday evening.

That Saturday is also when the Pink Dot picnic - an annual event promoting "the freedom to love" regardless of sexual orientation - will be held. It is organised by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

Mr Noor, who teaches religious classes at Hajar Consultancy Services in Joo Chiat, writing on the campaign website, said: "The natural state of human relationships is now under sustained attack by LGBT activists." He said that holding the Pink Dot event on the eve of Ramadan showed their "disdain for Islam and the family".

He urged Muslims to "stand up and defend the sanctity of family" and wear white to the first terawih prayers that day.

His is not the first group to attempt a protest against the Pink Dot event this year. Christian group Touch Family Services wanted to hold a family picnic on the same day but cancelled the event after the Urban Redevelopment Authority rejected its application to hold it at the Padang.

According to the Facebook pages of the Wear White community and Mr Noor, the campaign was launched two weeks ago and discussions took place at the Hasanah Mosque in Jurong East.

The campaign symbol is a white droplet against a black background, which some supporters are now using as their Facebook profile picture.

They include National University of Singapore Malay Studies professor Syed Muhd Khairudin Aljunied, who drew flak earlier this year for describing lesbianism as "cancers"; and Mr Zulfikar Mohamad Shariff, who in 2002 helped four Muslim parents mount a legal challenge against the Government's decision to suspend their daughters for wearing the Islamic headscarf to national schools.

The Wear White campaign video, presented in English, features several Muslim men and women dressed in white and describing what is sunnah, or according to Prophetic tradition. These include, for example, playing with children; caring for the elderly; tending to the poor, travellers, orphans and widows; and being fair in business dealings.

Mr Noor appears holding a baby, and says: "It is sunnah to marry and raise families."

The video was changed yesterday after theatre actor Najib Soiman, 36, asked to be removed from it, saying he had been misled about its purpose.

He told The Straits Times that when Mr Noor invited him to be featured, he thought it was meant to celebrate Ramadan. He had agreed because the community is trying to encourage young people to return to the mosques.

It was only on Wednesday that he discovered it was for the Wear White campaign, with its clear anti-homosexuality stance. He said people began calling him and he was shocked to see how it was being used.

He called Mr Noor, who said there had been a miscommunication. The video was then edited to leave out Mr Najib.

Mr Noor did not reply to questions from The Straits Times except to say he would release a press statement today.

The Pink Dot event has been held on the last Saturday of June for the past three years. A spokesman for the organisers said they went ahead with this year's event on June 28 after checking with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) website that Ramadan begins on June 29.

They also checked with "friends from the Muslim community" before proceeding with the event to be held at Hong Lim Park, the spokesman said.

Ustaz Khair Rahmat from Sultan Mosque, who is not involved in the Wear White campaign but learnt about it from his daughter, told The Straits Times: "My impression is that it is trying to rebut some of the things gay activists and Pink Dot have put out.

"I thought this was achieved in a non-accusatory manner. I don't know if it's the correct way to do it but it's a gentle way to remind Muslims that family is between a man and a woman."

Beware of 'culture wars'
Need to manage rising religiosity and rising advocacy from secular groups
By Tham Yuen-C, The Straits Times, 21 Jun 2014

THE authors of a survey on religion released their findings this week with a rather upbeat interpretation of the results: A healthy level of religious harmony exists in Singapore society even as we have become more religious.

In the Institute of Policy Studies survey, which polled about 3,000 people in Singapore, six in 10 believe that different religious groups get along.

This has come about because of the building of cohesive relationships among the different religions, through a framework of hard and soft measures including laws such as the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act, and platforms to promote interaction such as the Inter-Racial Confidence Circles.

But recent incidents show that we need to pay attention to a potential fault-line, one that is not between religious groups, but between them and "secular" groups over beliefs, values and lifestyles.

Overseas, in countries like the United States, some have termed these clashes the "culture wars", or loosely speaking, struggles over clashing beliefs and behaviours.

As an example, a problem can take shape when a religious group espouses a certain lifestyle, while a cause-based interest group is stumping for the acceptance of an alternative one.

There has been tension in Singapore over lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender or LGBT lifestyles. In the last month alone, a Christian group and a Muslim group have made plans to take a stand against the annual Pink Dot picnic organised by the LGBT community to promote "the freedom to love" regardless of sexual orientation.

This year, one Muslim group has objected to Pink Dot taking place on Saturday, June 28, the day Muslims hold the first evening prayer to mark the start of the fasting month of Ramadan.

Earlier in the year, Christian and Muslim groups also protested against the frequently asked questions or FAQ on sexuality, including homosexuality, on the Health Promotion Board's website.

The groups asserted that the FAQ, being portrayed as factual, normalised same-sex relations.

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong responded in a parliamentary reply and said the key message of the FAQ was to prevent sexually transmitted diseases by encouraging fidelity in relationships, regardless of sexual orientation.

Last year, the Faith Community Baptist Church clashed with Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin over its sacking of a pregnant employee of the church who had committed adultery.

Mr Tan ordered the church to pay the woman's salary and maternity benefits of $7,000, after deciding that she was "dismissed without sufficient cause".

The church paid up, but later went to the High Court to seek a judicial review of the decision, and has been given the green light to proceed.

What the church wants the court to decide is whether Mr Tan had a right to interfere in what it says is a religious affair. But the issue also raised questions about whether a place of employment in a place of worship is considered a secular public space.

So given that there is both rising religiosity and rising advocacy from non-religious groups, and as their values run up against each other, there is a need to think hard about managing the relationships between them.

In Singapore, lines are drawn concerning the areas where religion can tread. For example, denigration of another religion to gain adherents is frowned upon.

Similarly, religion and politics cannot mix, such as where a religious leader calls on his flock to back a particular political candidate.

While it is not spelt out explicitly in Singapore's Constitution, the 1966 Constitutional Commission Report describes Singapore as a "democratic secular state". The 1989 White Paper on the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act also states that "religion must be kept rigorously separate from politics".

Secularism in Singapore is understood to mean equal treatment of all religions by the state and of those with no religion as well.

In his 2009 National Day Rally speech, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had said that for the Government to remain secular, it has to be "neutral and fair".

He recognised that "people who have a religion will often have views which are informed by their religious beliefs". And "religious groups are free to propagate their teachings on social and moral issues. They have done so on the integrated resorts, organ transplants, 377A, homosexuality", he said.

In the same speech, he also reminded religious groups of others in society who have different views informed by different beliefs, and said: "You have to accept that and respect that."

Some believers worry that a strand of militant secularism, already present in Europe, could find its way to Singapore.

A British politician used the term militant secularism in a speech in 2012 to warn against the marginalisation of religion throughout Britain and Europe.

While Singapore has developed norms of engagement between religious groups, with rules and laws in place, the next step may be to develop the rules of engagement between religious and non-religious groups.

But instead of focusing on group interests, a starting point may be for all parties to learn how to get along first as individuals.

After all, in a democracy, everyone has the right to express his beliefs, as long as these do not violate existing laws. And a healthy secular society must allow for a plurality of views.

However, Singapore's unique, multi-religious context means there must be limits, preferably set by consideration for others. Resorting to specific laws in this situation could be difficult, since any number of groups and causes can emerge over the years.

Ultimately, practising tolerance will benefit the groups, who are battling for the hearts and minds of the middle ground who are still undecided.

After all, in such fights, it is usually the most reasonable who will prevail.

Related
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On Pink Dot and confrontations
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