IT IS interesting to note that opponents of the evolution of the family unit continue to cling to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's remarks in 2007 that family comprises "one man, one woman, marrying, having children and bringing up children" ("Why we should leave Section 377A alone: PM"; Oct 24, 2007).
First, this definition of family is legalistic, and based on the definitions contained in the Women's Charter.
As a representative of the Government, it would not have been appropriate for PM Lee to deviate from the legislated definition of a family.
Second, this definition is problematic for family units that already exist, such as single-parent families and couples without children. Are they not to be considered families?
Third, PM Lee's remarks were made close to a decade ago. In that time, things have changed considerably.
Just look at how attitudes towards the family unit and homosexuality have changed across the world - not just in the United States and Europe, but also in Vietnam, China, and Australia, for instance.
Mr Darius Lee mentions that evidence shows that "children fare best when raised by their married fathers and mothers" ("Put kids' interests first when discussing family"; March 21).
But there is also evidence of children from single-parent families faring well, or children of married fathers and mothers faring poorly, not to mention evidence that children of same-sex couples fare just as well, if not better, than others.
Having worked and lived in the United States with my "traditional family unit" of my wife and son, it has become clear to me that what makes or breaks a family is not its components, but the values espoused - familial values of mutual respect, acceptance, filial piety, tolerance, and support.
We should stop this fixation on what comprises a family, and instead, focus on universal family values.
Collin Ng
United States
First, this definition of family is legalistic, and based on the definitions contained in the Women's Charter.
As a representative of the Government, it would not have been appropriate for PM Lee to deviate from the legislated definition of a family.
Second, this definition is problematic for family units that already exist, such as single-parent families and couples without children. Are they not to be considered families?
Third, PM Lee's remarks were made close to a decade ago. In that time, things have changed considerably.
Just look at how attitudes towards the family unit and homosexuality have changed across the world - not just in the United States and Europe, but also in Vietnam, China, and Australia, for instance.
Mr Darius Lee mentions that evidence shows that "children fare best when raised by their married fathers and mothers" ("Put kids' interests first when discussing family"; March 21).
But there is also evidence of children from single-parent families faring well, or children of married fathers and mothers faring poorly, not to mention evidence that children of same-sex couples fare just as well, if not better, than others.
Having worked and lived in the United States with my "traditional family unit" of my wife and son, it has become clear to me that what makes or breaks a family is not its components, but the values espoused - familial values of mutual respect, acceptance, filial piety, tolerance, and support.
We should stop this fixation on what comprises a family, and instead, focus on universal family values.
Collin Ng
United States
