SINGAPORE : The Singapore Government has said it welcomes
religious groups and individuals getting active in social issues.
But it has warned against mixing religion with politics.
Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng said this in reply to the TODAY
newspaper, in an interview to be published on Friday, on the recent
saga involving the Association of Women for Action and Research
(AWARE).
Mr Wong added that the government's position on homosexuality is
clear, and it will not be pressured into changing its position as a
result of lobbying by pressure groups.
Two years ago, during the debate on whether to decriminalise sex
between men, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had clearly stated that
the conventional family, a heterosexual stable family is the norm
and building block of Singapore society.
But the government also recognises that homosexuals are part of the
society.
Mr Lee had said then: "Homosexuals work in all sectors, all over
the economy, in the public sector as well and in the civil service.
They are free to lead their lives, free to pursue their social
activities."
That position has not changed.
Mr Wong said: "The government was not going to be pressured into
changing its position on homosexuality before the takeover of
AWARE. Nor does the government intend to change its position now
that the Old Guard has recaptured AWARE."
He added that as Singaporeans become more educated and informed,
and more space is being opened up for people to express alternative
views, there will be more tussles between people holding different
points of views.
If any group pushes its agenda aggressively, there will be strong
reactions from other groups.
As for the AWARE controversy, the government was worried about the
disquieting public perception that a group of conservative
Christians - all attending the same church, which held strong views
on homosexuality - had moved in and taken over AWARE because they
disapproved of what the organisation had been doing.
Hence, he was gratified that the National Council of Churches of
Singapore issued a clear statement that it does not condone
churches getting involved in the AWARE dispute, and that leaders of
different religious faiths came out to reinforce the NCCS
message.
Mr Wong said the government has to maintain order impartially. It
encourages the development of civic society, and gradual widening
of the out-of-bounds (OB) markers. But it will not stand by and
watch, when intemperate activism threatens Singapore society.
Asked for his comments on the May 2 AWARE extraordinary general
meeting, which saw the new exco being voted out, Mr Wong said both
sides must now calm down, and move on.
- CNA/ms