OSC Survey 47% oppose gay lifestyle........

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An honorable member of the Coffee Shop Has Just Posted the Following:

http://www.todayonline.com/voices/os...ons-over-s377a

Quote:
Singapore Conversation (OSC) survey findings showed that 53 per cent of respondents are neutral or accept gay lifestyles, while 47 per cent reject gay lifestyles. (“Liberal attitudes on gay lifestyles not prevalent here”; Aug 26).

I think survey is a bit bias because it has lump (accept + neutral)..... together if you you lump neutral plus do not accept together as a "do not support" you will get > 50% who do not support.

In the coming years the gay issue will start becoming a big issue. In all open societies, the number of gays is estimated to stabilise at 10%-12% of the population. This is significant number and their concerns have to be addressed or we end up a divided society on this issue. I'm actually neutral on this issue and my views are based solely on how well we as a society will function and overall what is the best approach when all the facts are laid out. There are entrenched positions on both sides of the issue and if not managed well can lead to deep divisions.

I once met a french national here on holiday. He is straight but in our conversation said that Singapore and Bangkok are favorite destinations in Asia for the gays in Europe. I asked him why...he told me years of acrimonious fighting for rights by gays have created a strong anti-gay movement and people who are openly anti-gay due to deep suspicions and hatred on both sides. In Singapore, it is a safe open environment despite the 377A laws and lack of explicit rights for gays, they consider Singapore a friendly destination.

Singapore must learn from the lessons these countries not to allow the gay issue to become politicise and divide our country. Our leaders have said the approach will be led by how our society evolved and change on these issues. I was rather disappointed when a church group 'trick' ESM Goh to its service and make a stand that appeared against gays standing in front of the whole congregation[http://www.fcbc.org.sg/about/news/es...ong-visits-tc]. Both sides have to refrain from pulling in politicians into the issue as both leaders from the ruling party and opposition have said that they will base policy on the way Singapore evolves socially on this issue.

For the gay community, at the end of the day acceptance is more important than legal rights although both are not mutually exclusive. If you push too hard, you may get your rights but experience deep suspicion and hatred that we have seen emerging in many countries. There are a large number of Singaporeans who are neutral on this issue and they would prefer a determined pace of change that will benefit our society as a whole. They would like to see the end result and consequences of liberal laws in France, Canada and USA - whether it results in a better stronger society or a degraded one. The harder one side tries to pull society towards its view, the greater the chance of the rope breaking. The slow gradual approach may indeed be the best for our society. The churches are free to grow their congregation to recruit people into ints point of view and the gay community has its pink dot to gain acceptance and understanding....over time the two poles can co-exist peacefully with their differences bonded by the common values we call Singapore.


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