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06-02-2014, 12:00 PM
An honorable member of the Coffee Shop Has Just Posted the Following:
Lawrence Khong, FCBC : http://mypaper.sg/opinion/hpbs-sexua...amily-20140206 (http://mypaper.sg/opinion/hpbs-sexuality-faqs-undermine-family-20140206)
Quote:
The FAQs On Sexuality page on the Health Promotion Board (HPB) website is shocking and deeply upsetting.
The tone of the entire article gives the impression that HPB condones same-sex relationships and promotes homosexual practice as something normal.
The author appears to have taken sides on a highly contentious and politicised subject. Here, I address five issues covered in the FAQs.
ISSUE 1
The FAQs draw a false equation between heterosexual and homosexual relationships in a manner that smacks of liberationist propaganda intended to mainstream homosexuality.
We disagree that "a same-sex relationship is not too different from a heterosexual relationship". There is a vast and fundamental difference between heterosexual and homosexual relationships.
A heterosexual relationship is natural and normal, with the capacity to procreate. This is based on the fact that male and female bodies are sexually complementary.
In contrast, such sexual complementarity does not exist between two people of the same sex. A homosexual relationship is, therefore, unnatural, abnormal, and procreation is impossible.
Such a false equation is very worrisome on several counts:
It blatantly promotes and encourages an alternative lifestyle that violates the moral standard set out by the law of the land, which regards heterosexual relationships as the norm. This is reflected in the distinction between heterosexual and homosexual relationships under laws such as Section 377A of the Penal Code.
It desensitises Singapore's young on issues of decency and morality.
It goes against the majority view that the homosexual lifestyle is wrong and undesirable for our nation.
It contradicts declared government policy.
It undermines our pro-family Government's efforts to encourage heterosexual marriage to boost our national birth rate, perpetuate the family unit (the basic building block of society), bring up the next generation and ensure the continuity of this nation.
ISSUE 2
HPB adopted a biased and selective approach by naming only a pro-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) group to help those who are looking for support.
We are disappointed that HPB's original article referenced only one option for help, namely Oogachaga. Its hotline is run by specially trained LGBTs or LGBT-affirming counsellors.
To exclude other available avenues of care, such as Liberty League and Focus on the Family, is to discriminate in favour of LGBT-affirming organisations. This is both unjust and harmful.
ISSUE 3
The FAQs use politically charged language and one-sided terms like "homophobia", which are misleading and highly offensive to us.
We disagree with the claim that moral objection to homosexual behaviour is based on "irrational fear, disgust, or hatred" of homosexuals or bisexuals because they "do not conform to traditional sexual roles and stereotypes". Far from it. Moral objection is based on the intrinsic physiological nature of the male and female bodies.
We do not despise homosexuals or hold them in contempt. We esteem them as fellow human beings of intrinsic worth. Each one is precious, deserving respect and love, just like anyone else.
ISSUE 4
The FAQs fail to give an accurate picture and clear warnings of the health risks posed by alternative sex.
According to medical research and mental-health studies, the threat is real and severe. Homosexuals have a shorter lifespan, more sexually transmitted infections and more health problems than the general population.
ISSUE 5
The FAQs make an unproven assertion that homosexuals can have long-lasting relationships and, in this way, the FAQs clearly promote a "mainstreaming homosexuality as normal" bias.
We disagree because this claim is only theoretical. Some research findings show a different trend. Homosexuals register a higher incidence of short-lived relationships and sexual violence.
In closing, this is a national concern. It is about the kind of Singapore we want in 20, 30, 50 years from now. Our actions today will affect the future for generations to come.
The right actions will help the family unit to thrive and the nation to flourish. Misguided actions will yield bad outcomes and destructive repercussions. As the family unit goes, so goes society, so goes the nation.
This year is the International Year of the Family, and next year is our nation's 50th birthday. I love this nation. This little red dot we call home is precious. We must not fail her on our watch.
May the Health Ministry and HPB lead the way, and do the right thing to build a healthier Singapore. I look forward to new FAQs that reflect the views of Singapore's conservative majority, reinforce our Government's position and serve our national interests.
Jolene Tan, AWARE : http://mypaper.sg/opinion/inclusive-...h-all-20140206 (http://mypaper.sg/opinion/inclusive-society-must-promote-health-all-20140206)
Quote:
The Health Promotion Board (HPB) has a simple mandate: "to build a nation of healthy people". As a government agency, its responsibility is to promote the physical and mental health of all members of society equally, regardless of sexual orientation.
The publication of factual, non-judgmental information about homosexuality and bisexuality falls squarely within this mission. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights identify access to health-related information, including sexual health, as a crucial part of access to health care.
Unless the information available reflects the reality of human diversity, many will be excluded from a better understanding of themselves and those close to them, and consequently from the opportunity to make informed decisions about their own health.
The recent statements on sexuality that have attracted so much attention are unambiguously supported by longstanding medical and scientific consensus. The WHO explicitly names "recognising and respecting sexual diversity" as one of a few "key principles" for policymakers seeking to promote sexual health.
Experts with an evidence-based approach widely agree that homosexuality and bisexuality are not mental illnesses.
Over 20 years ago, the WHO, after reviewing the evidence, removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases. This position is shared by numerous medical and scientific bodies, including the American Psychological Association, Britain's Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP) and the Chinese Psychiatric Association.
The HPB has not only the right, but also the duty to dispel any myths to the contrary. In fact, a commitment to improving public health necessitates battling the stigma surrounding same-sex relations.
A fear of prejudiced health professionals can hold gay, lesbian and bisexual people back from seeking necessary medical help, or discourage them from sharing with their medical advisers potentially relevant information, such as the nature of their sexual activities.
The HPB is also sensible to focus on educating the parents of young gay, lesbian and bisexual people. The RCP notes that societal discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, including rejection from family members, often has a strong negative impact on the mental health of gay, lesbian and bisexual people.
Researchers in San Francisco found a strong association between negative parental reactions to sexual orientation and young people's experiences of depression, suicide and unprotected sex.
Addressing parental misconceptions about sexuality can prevent needless anguish on the part of children and parents alike, helping to preserve family relationships by improving mutual understanding.
Of course, one set of frequently asked questions cannot single-handedly vanquish all discrimination that lesbian, gay and bisexual people may face.
Referrals to appropriate support services are therefore crucial to assist them and their loved ones in navigating an often hostile or uncomprehending social environment.
Importantly, such services should not treat homosexuality or bisexuality as a wrong to be "cured" - an approach which the WHO has described as "unscientific, potentially harmful" and a contributor to "stigmatisation".
It was disappointing to see the HPB remove information previously found on the webpage about reliably supportive services offered by Action for Aids, Oogachaga and Safe Singapore.
No doubt, some in Singapore regard same-sex sexual relations with distaste or disapproval. But the HPB's primary concern is health; and, in an inclusive society, health is for everyone, not only those judged by the self-styled guardians of sexual normality to be suitably pure.
The state must not deny access to vital information about sexual health out of deference to unevidenced ideological prescriptions.
And, as individuals, we can all come to our own moral judgments - including on those who push for their discriminatory ideals to come before the physical and mental well-being of real people.
Click here to view the whole thread at www.sammyboy.com (http://www.sammyboy.com/showthread.php?174333-FCBC-vs-AWARE-on-Homosexuality&goto=newpost).
Lawrence Khong, FCBC : http://mypaper.sg/opinion/hpbs-sexua...amily-20140206 (http://mypaper.sg/opinion/hpbs-sexuality-faqs-undermine-family-20140206)
Quote:
The FAQs On Sexuality page on the Health Promotion Board (HPB) website is shocking and deeply upsetting.
The tone of the entire article gives the impression that HPB condones same-sex relationships and promotes homosexual practice as something normal.
The author appears to have taken sides on a highly contentious and politicised subject. Here, I address five issues covered in the FAQs.
ISSUE 1
The FAQs draw a false equation between heterosexual and homosexual relationships in a manner that smacks of liberationist propaganda intended to mainstream homosexuality.
We disagree that "a same-sex relationship is not too different from a heterosexual relationship". There is a vast and fundamental difference between heterosexual and homosexual relationships.
A heterosexual relationship is natural and normal, with the capacity to procreate. This is based on the fact that male and female bodies are sexually complementary.
In contrast, such sexual complementarity does not exist between two people of the same sex. A homosexual relationship is, therefore, unnatural, abnormal, and procreation is impossible.
Such a false equation is very worrisome on several counts:
It blatantly promotes and encourages an alternative lifestyle that violates the moral standard set out by the law of the land, which regards heterosexual relationships as the norm. This is reflected in the distinction between heterosexual and homosexual relationships under laws such as Section 377A of the Penal Code.
It desensitises Singapore's young on issues of decency and morality.
It goes against the majority view that the homosexual lifestyle is wrong and undesirable for our nation.
It contradicts declared government policy.
It undermines our pro-family Government's efforts to encourage heterosexual marriage to boost our national birth rate, perpetuate the family unit (the basic building block of society), bring up the next generation and ensure the continuity of this nation.
ISSUE 2
HPB adopted a biased and selective approach by naming only a pro-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) group to help those who are looking for support.
We are disappointed that HPB's original article referenced only one option for help, namely Oogachaga. Its hotline is run by specially trained LGBTs or LGBT-affirming counsellors.
To exclude other available avenues of care, such as Liberty League and Focus on the Family, is to discriminate in favour of LGBT-affirming organisations. This is both unjust and harmful.
ISSUE 3
The FAQs use politically charged language and one-sided terms like "homophobia", which are misleading and highly offensive to us.
We disagree with the claim that moral objection to homosexual behaviour is based on "irrational fear, disgust, or hatred" of homosexuals or bisexuals because they "do not conform to traditional sexual roles and stereotypes". Far from it. Moral objection is based on the intrinsic physiological nature of the male and female bodies.
We do not despise homosexuals or hold them in contempt. We esteem them as fellow human beings of intrinsic worth. Each one is precious, deserving respect and love, just like anyone else.
ISSUE 4
The FAQs fail to give an accurate picture and clear warnings of the health risks posed by alternative sex.
According to medical research and mental-health studies, the threat is real and severe. Homosexuals have a shorter lifespan, more sexually transmitted infections and more health problems than the general population.
ISSUE 5
The FAQs make an unproven assertion that homosexuals can have long-lasting relationships and, in this way, the FAQs clearly promote a "mainstreaming homosexuality as normal" bias.
We disagree because this claim is only theoretical. Some research findings show a different trend. Homosexuals register a higher incidence of short-lived relationships and sexual violence.
In closing, this is a national concern. It is about the kind of Singapore we want in 20, 30, 50 years from now. Our actions today will affect the future for generations to come.
The right actions will help the family unit to thrive and the nation to flourish. Misguided actions will yield bad outcomes and destructive repercussions. As the family unit goes, so goes society, so goes the nation.
This year is the International Year of the Family, and next year is our nation's 50th birthday. I love this nation. This little red dot we call home is precious. We must not fail her on our watch.
May the Health Ministry and HPB lead the way, and do the right thing to build a healthier Singapore. I look forward to new FAQs that reflect the views of Singapore's conservative majority, reinforce our Government's position and serve our national interests.
Jolene Tan, AWARE : http://mypaper.sg/opinion/inclusive-...h-all-20140206 (http://mypaper.sg/opinion/inclusive-society-must-promote-health-all-20140206)
Quote:
The Health Promotion Board (HPB) has a simple mandate: "to build a nation of healthy people". As a government agency, its responsibility is to promote the physical and mental health of all members of society equally, regardless of sexual orientation.
The publication of factual, non-judgmental information about homosexuality and bisexuality falls squarely within this mission. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights identify access to health-related information, including sexual health, as a crucial part of access to health care.
Unless the information available reflects the reality of human diversity, many will be excluded from a better understanding of themselves and those close to them, and consequently from the opportunity to make informed decisions about their own health.
The recent statements on sexuality that have attracted so much attention are unambiguously supported by longstanding medical and scientific consensus. The WHO explicitly names "recognising and respecting sexual diversity" as one of a few "key principles" for policymakers seeking to promote sexual health.
Experts with an evidence-based approach widely agree that homosexuality and bisexuality are not mental illnesses.
Over 20 years ago, the WHO, after reviewing the evidence, removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases. This position is shared by numerous medical and scientific bodies, including the American Psychological Association, Britain's Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP) and the Chinese Psychiatric Association.
The HPB has not only the right, but also the duty to dispel any myths to the contrary. In fact, a commitment to improving public health necessitates battling the stigma surrounding same-sex relations.
A fear of prejudiced health professionals can hold gay, lesbian and bisexual people back from seeking necessary medical help, or discourage them from sharing with their medical advisers potentially relevant information, such as the nature of their sexual activities.
The HPB is also sensible to focus on educating the parents of young gay, lesbian and bisexual people. The RCP notes that societal discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, including rejection from family members, often has a strong negative impact on the mental health of gay, lesbian and bisexual people.
Researchers in San Francisco found a strong association between negative parental reactions to sexual orientation and young people's experiences of depression, suicide and unprotected sex.
Addressing parental misconceptions about sexuality can prevent needless anguish on the part of children and parents alike, helping to preserve family relationships by improving mutual understanding.
Of course, one set of frequently asked questions cannot single-handedly vanquish all discrimination that lesbian, gay and bisexual people may face.
Referrals to appropriate support services are therefore crucial to assist them and their loved ones in navigating an often hostile or uncomprehending social environment.
Importantly, such services should not treat homosexuality or bisexuality as a wrong to be "cured" - an approach which the WHO has described as "unscientific, potentially harmful" and a contributor to "stigmatisation".
It was disappointing to see the HPB remove information previously found on the webpage about reliably supportive services offered by Action for Aids, Oogachaga and Safe Singapore.
No doubt, some in Singapore regard same-sex sexual relations with distaste or disapproval. But the HPB's primary concern is health; and, in an inclusive society, health is for everyone, not only those judged by the self-styled guardians of sexual normality to be suitably pure.
The state must not deny access to vital information about sexual health out of deference to unevidenced ideological prescriptions.
And, as individuals, we can all come to our own moral judgments - including on those who push for their discriminatory ideals to come before the physical and mental well-being of real people.
Click here to view the whole thread at www.sammyboy.com (http://www.sammyboy.com/showthread.php?174333-FCBC-vs-AWARE-on-Homosexuality&goto=newpost).