Aware has never had a 'gay agenda'

May 16, 2009
RESPONSE TO DPM WONG KAN SENG
Aware has never had a 'gay agenda'

WE WELCOME Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng's comments and his reiteration of the vital importance for all groups in Singapore, whether religious or secular, to live and let live, to exercise restraint and show mutual respect and tolerance.

Mr Wong noted that homosexuality was 'clearly a major issue to both sides'. We would like to point out that homosexuality has never been 'a major issue' for the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware). Our stand, throughout the 24 years of our existence, has been identical to that of the Government.

We agree that the heterosexual family is the norm for our society. But homosexuals are also part of our society and they should be able to live freely and happily, free of any discrimination.

It must be made clear: Aware has never promoted homosexuality.

It is most regrettable that some people in Singapore now have the impression that Aware has a 'gay agenda'. This is totally unfounded. The allegation of a 'gay agenda' was made by Dr Thio Su Mien, and the team of women she handpicked to join Aware and take over its leadership, on the strength of bits of information taken out of context and strung together to create an imaginary and inaccurate picture of Aware's activities.

This unhappy episode, and the many wrongful allegations made during it, have damaged Aware's reputation and insulted the many women and men who, over the last 24 years, have worked so hard to improve the lives of women in Singapore and our society as a whole. Sadly, the allegations and the misperceptions continue in online forums and other channels.

The current Aware executive committee is already moving on. We have an expanded membership to reach out to and we are putting together our programmes for the year. We are confident we will be able to put this episode behind us and continue with our work.

Dana Lam (Ms),
President, Aware

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