f8 show thy force

it's been a long time since i've been this riled up over a certain issue, but after reading some of the comments on both the repeal377A and the keep377A websites, i am once again amazed at the bigotry our countrymen has demonstrated.

some person argued that homosexuals do not deserve equal rights because they are unable to reproduce and they have failed to fulfill this God-given, "nature-driven task of reproduction". technically, they are still capable of having children, unless they've gone for a vasectomy or a tubal ligation surgery, thus they still retain their ability to perform the "God-given, nature-driven task of reproduction." of course, some may need sperm donors or surrogate mothers to complete this holy task, but that is a different issue altogether.

secondly, are we going to persecute people who choose not to have children then? are single, childless men and women going to be denied of the right to vote (not that we have much of a chance to anyway) simply because of their childlessness? singapore may suffer from a dearth of births but this is no reason to keep 377A; criminalising this act will not serve to drive the birth rates to giddying heights.

contrary to some people's beliefs, decriminalising this act of "gross indecency" will not lead to birth rates plunging and a city overrun with homosexuals. the arguments that these people have trotted out to support their points are simplistic at best, erroneous at worst. repealing 377A will not send out the message that homosexuality is encouraged, it merely informs people that they will not be incarcerated when they display their affection in a certain manner. repealing this law does send out a message to fellow singaporeans and the rest of the world that we do not punish people for pursuing their own happiness. in addition, this pursuit of happiness is conducted without harming others so why are we standing in the way of another's pursuit of happiness?

it is foolish to think that by repealing this law, the number of homosexuals in our country will increase exponentially because they are now allowed to have sex in their own bedrooms. homosexuality will not suddenly be the next in thing or the alternative lifestyle to flaunt because people are more discerning than that. some youths may experiment and some may become homosexual eventually but who's to say that these youths would have been happily heterosexual with 377A in place?

then the commonly raised point about heterosexuals being the majority and their opinions mattering most. by repealing 377A, a whole herd of homosexuals will take to the streets in feather boas and flaunt their sexuality in a manner that will repulse heterosexuals. but it is perfectly fine to have heterosexuals blissfully displaying affection in public because they are the majority even if they do offend others with such enthusiasm. never mind that homosexuals have feelings too, never mind that they are made to feel like their love will never see the light of day because of the frowning faces of the majority. never mind if they are made to feel like criminals when they are guilty of the same crime that their heterosexual counterparts have committed. they are the minority, no one really cares for the delicate feelings of the minority.

ignore what shylock said about jews for they are the minority too! if you prick them, they will bleed but it's not your blood nor that of your brethren so don't bother getting a band aid. ignore the fact that this argument contradicts singapore's policy of accommodation and compromise when it comes to differences arising among the majority and minority ethnic groups. conveniently forget the minor detail of our leaders preaching tolerance and acceptance among different ethnic groups.

another point that got me really pissed was the point about homosexuals choosing to be homosexual and that there was a "cure" for this. a difference in sexuality has now evolved to a frightening disease that urgently needs a cure. the next time we meet someone who doesn't share our opinions and beliefs, do we then immediately think of brainwashing them because they are different? this idea is tempting and is almost second nature to us given the huge amount of brainwashing that takes place around us but really, is difference that threatening?

heterosexuals and homosexuals may have their differences but this is no reason for heterosexuals to insist that homosexuals be denied of their right by virtue of the former's status as the majority. the fear that some heterosexuals have towards homosexuals is understandable but fear and prejudice cannot justify their actions; keeping 377A is the true act of gross indecency.

it's time that the majority give the minority the freedom that has been denied of the latter for too long. repeal 377A, there are a couple more hours before it closes and every signature counts. do your bit for the happiness of others, sign the letter.

repeal 377A.