So PERGAS (Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association) has now come out to weigh in on the HPB’s FAQs on homosexuality. And it’s exactly what you expect. I really don’t know where to start with this. Perhaps that we’re a secular society? And that religion has no say in what the HPB puts up? Perhaps I should start with the part about the HPB “implicitly showing support towards same-sex behaviour.”
You know what? Since you they took the time to make a nice eight point list, I will too. So here it is. The eight reasons PERGAS has got this all wrong. (I’m gonna also post the eight point PERGAS made so the whole argument will be clearer for everyone, instead of switching back and forth between my post and theirs.)
1. (PERGAS) This response is to record Pergas’ disappointment to the Health Promotion Board’s (HPB) recent FAQ on sexuality.
Why are they disappointed? I understand that homosexuality is against their faith. And I am not saying that they should embrace homosexuality. But as a religious organization, their views are not applicable to the entire country. We have multiple faiths here in Singapore. Some are vocal about their opposition of the “gay agenda” whatever that means, (here’s looking at you Pastor Khong) others like myself, support the their right to love whoever they want. It doesn’t affect my life if John loves Michael. Why should it? I’m happy they are loving instead of hating. That alone is worth something.
2. (PERGAS) Pergas finds that the FAQ is insensitive towards the prevailing view of the Singaporean society. This is as reflected in the recent Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) survey which reported that 78.2% of Singaporeans views are generally conservative towards same-sex relation. As a national health board, Pergas is of the view that HPB should not have presented its FAQ in a manner that can be construed by some as tacit support in normalising same-sex relations.
I’m still trying to figure out how exactly the HPB is “supporting” and “Normalising” same sex relations. The FAQs provide answer to the people that might have issues with their sexual identity. That is the HPBs job. To help our people regardless of religion. Just because it goes against a certain faith, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. To take down the FAQs and to pretend that Singapore doesn’t have people who NEED it, is short sighted and downright unfair. Our LGBT community has every right to those FAQs. If they help even one person feel less ostracized and less like an outcast from society, it has done it’s job. So many people live in fear of what would happen if their friends and family were to find out about their sexual orientation. These FAQs are for them. They are human beings just like us. And they don’t deserve to live in silence and fear just because they love another human being. That's absurd.
3) (PERGAS) Pergas views that the message should be directed at the importance of a traditional family unit rather than implicitly showing support towards same-sex behaviour.
At which point did the HPB’s FAQs state that straight people should magically turn gay? How are they casting aside the traditional family unit by answering some frequently asked questions? Did at any point the HPB say that being gay was “in”? That it was “cool” No. They did not. Having FAQs does not in any way show support of same sex relations. Like I said before, stop pretending that people don’t need these FAQs. So this point, is flat out moot.
4) (PERGAS) Pergas would also like to note that the FAQ is in contrast to the state’s pro-family policy. The pro-homosexuality stance reflected in the FAQ undermines the traditional family unit which is essential in building our society.
Against the state’s pro family policy? How? Now that these FAQs are up, straight people are suddenly gonna become gay, left and right? Whether or not these FAQs are there, gay people will be gay, and straight people will be straight. Taking down these FAQs will not lead to a sudden disappearance of homosexuality. Taking down these FAQs will not suddenly make all our gay individuals turn straight, marry the opposite sex and start a family. How could you even think this way? It’s worrying. And it’s disheartening.
5) (PERGAS) Pergas would like to assert that the family unit is a fundamental institution of human society. According to the higher objectives of Islamic Law, the family unit serves to bring in new generation and preserve the existence of humankind. For that reason, Islam gives attention in establishing a family only through the legal marriage of a man and woman. Any form of extra-marital or same-sex relations are hence prohibited in Islam.
This point would absolutely hold water if this was an Islamic state. But guess what? It’s not. Why are we bringing in religion into this? Why are we talking about the “higher objectives of Islamic law”? What does religious law have to do with how we govern a secular state? Absolutely Nothing.
6) (PERGAS) Notwithstanding the above, Pergas would also like to emphasize that in no way the ‘Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender’ or LGBT should be ostracised by the society. In line with the teachings of Islam which promote love and mercy, we must avoid rejecting them as individuals and should treat them with love and compassion.
Really? REALLY? Here you are, demanding the seizure of a few questions that might help some of our Singaporeans in a time of internal conflict. It is extremely hard to take what you just said, without a whole sack of salt.
7) (PERGAS) Pergas also advise Muslim to convey the true message of Islam and guide our Muslims LGBT to the right path. Meanwhile, Pergas also encourages those Muslims who are facing sexuality issues, such as tendency towards homosexuality/bisexuality to seek proper religious guidance and psychological guidance from asatizah (religious teachers) and counselors who have knowledge on Islamic perspective in this matter.
Seek religious guidance if you feel you’re gay. Conversion therapy. Pray away the gay. This is a whole other can of worms which, if I were to open, will take a whole other post. But in short. No. It doesn’t work. In fact, the repercussions of driving people against themselves with the guilt of pseudo scientific “therapy” like this, was so bad, It’s outright banned in a few countries. And are religious people qualified to be giving out psychological advice? Is that even safe? Maybe the HPB should look into that.
8) Finally, Pergas wishes to state its readiness to be consulted on potentially sensitive issues such as this matter in the future. This is to ensure that the interests of all groups are represented in the consideration of government agencies such as HPB.
SINGAPORE ISLAMIC SCHOLARS & RELIGIOUS TEACHERS ASSOCIATION (PERGAS)
I hate to keep returning to the same point, but really, secular state. I’m having trouble with the reality of this. I find it almost impossible to believe that PERGAS is offering itself as council for future decisions of the government. Is secularism that much of an alien concept? Religions have no bearing on the running of a secular state. And rightfully so. Singapore has many differing religious beliefs. Not everyone is Muslim. Not everyone is Christian. The government cannot and should not be expected to seek clearance from religious societies for their decisions. Please do not try and control everyone in this country with your holy text. Not everyone believes what you do.
Now to wrap up. I could have been a lot more biting with this post. I could have been my usual self and torn them a new one. But I didn’t. Why? Because I don’t think PERGAS is coming from a mean place. I honestly don’t think they’re trying to bully the LGBT community in Singapore. But at the same time, they need to look at their statement and perhaps reflect.
Don’t worry, with the amount of homophobia and vitriol the LGBT community is facing online by hateful bigots, the claws will be out again soon.
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