- Title: SINGAPORE: Thousands take part in Singapore gay rights rally
- Date: 28th June 2014
- Summary: SINGAPORE (JUNE 28, 2014) (REUTERS) SINGAPORE SKYLINE AERIAL VIEW OF HONG LIM PARK (SPEAKERS CORNER) WITH CROWD GATHERED FOR THE PINK DOT EVENT VARIOUS OF PARK ENTRANCE WITH PINK DOT GATE MADE OF BALLOONS CROWD ALL WEARING PINK SHIRTS GATHERED IN PARK LADY LAUNCHING BUBBLES COUPLE TAKING PICTURE IN FRONT OF PINK DOT SIGN VARIOUS OF SECURITY, HIRED IN CASE OPPOSITION GROUP
- Embargoed: 13th July 2014 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Singapore
- Country: Singapore
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA31LPZE7JBTYK9UP2TLMTGANZ5
- Story Text: One of the largest crowds ever recorded in Singapore for a civil society gathering turned out on Saturday (June 28) at a gay rights rally against a backdrop of noisy opposition from religious groups.
An estimated 26,000 people descended on Hong Lim Park for the "Pink Dot", an annual affair since 2009 that aims to discourage discrimination against same sex couples.
Sex between two men is illegal in Singapore and punishable with up to two years in prison though it is rarely enforced.
The rally, which saw people dress up in pink for a picnic and concert in the park and later gathering in a circle to form a "pink dot", has previously taken place without much visible protest.
However this year some Muslim and Christian groups called on their followers to wear white to show their opposition to the event which they perceive as growing acceptance of homosexuality in the country.
It prompted "pink dot" organisers to hire security personnel to avoid any trouble.
"I mean every year we are prepared for some opposition, every year, it's just that this year the extent of the negativity has saddened us quite a bit," said Pink Dot organiser Paerin Choa.
"Pink Dot started really to promote inclusiveness and diversity, to make LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transsexual) Singaporeans feel that this is a place that we all can call home as well. What happened over the last few weeks really goes to show that discrimination is still very much alive in Singapore and as such we do have a lot more work to do," he added.
The rally comes amid growing anger from Singaporeans over a range of issues from immigration and rising living costs to gay rights - all in a country where dissent is actively discouraged and political gatherings require a permit regardless of how many people are involved.
Some Muslims were particularly angry that the event took place on the eve of Ramadan, and many posted photos of them wearing white to evening prayers to a "wear white" Facebook page.
"I think that everyone should wear whatever they want to wear but please don't wear white to protest against people wearing pink, yeah that's not right, yeah," said Ivan Heng, a theatre company founder participating in the event.
Some Christian groups have called on the government to take a clearer stand on the issue and reinforce the legal position that sex between two men is outlawed
"Everybody is coming together in order to bring joy and just happiness to everyone, regardless of colours, race, religion, you know, we are just here to love," said Andy, another participant.
Pink Dot, which describes itself as a "movement" rather than a protest, has seen a higher turnout every year since it began in 2009 and now has big name sponsors including Goldman Sachs.
This year, participants were able to listen to the country's national anthem as a helicopter flying the national flag hovered above the event on its way to Singapore's National Day rehearsal (National Day is on August 9).
Organisers waited for night fall to reveal a white lithe heart surrounded by pink lights as all participants used their phones or other lighting devices to light up Hong Lim Park. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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