Wednesday 22 April 2015

[Straits Times] Death of tolerance under guise of diversity

PASTOR Lawrence Khong has said that he does not believe in discriminating against anybody in terms of basic human rights ("'I told the minister to send me to jail' "; Sept 7, 2013).
He said in the 2013 report that more than half of the dancers for his magic show were living the homosexual lifestyle, and that it was not a problem as they were good dancers, but that he disagreed with the lifestyle.
The problem with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) debate lies with different communities' definition of diversity ("Ikea working on solution for magic show"; yesterday).
Gay activists imply that the definition of diversity is a diversity of human sexual behavioural patterns, contrary to the traditional view of a family. Never the twain shall meet, in this fundamental difference of definition.
Therefore, this is where our laws protect our freedom of speech in the name of tolerance.
However, tolerance has been sacrificed on the altar of hypocrisy. Tolerance means: "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
Tolerance is what Ikea is embodying, by recognising and promoting a magic show which offers high family entertainment value, regardless of the personal beliefs of its main performer.
The backlash from gay rights groups has revealed the double standard they hold in the name of diversity, through pressure tactics and emotional rhetoric which produces more heat than light.
This is detrimental behaviour which discourages civil dialogue and careful deliberation, which are key in a democratic society.
Thus, we ought to support Ikea's efforts and reject hypocrisy in the name of tolerance and protecting the true freedom of expression.
Loy Hwa Wei