Leaders of economically vibrant Singapore are sending mixed signals on homosexuality in the competition with other Asian countries for more foreign talent. While allowing a small number of gay bars, restaurants and saunas to thrive, homosexual acts are still outlawed and carry a prison term of up to two years. Even such frivolities as gay picnics with participants clad in pink are prohibited.
An onslaught of contradictions emerged during the recent third annual gay pride festival.
Licenses were denied for an exhibition scheduled to show 80 photographs of same-sex people kissing and the reading of a story about a young man's fantasies of sex with older men, including government and military officials. Discussions led by foreigners were also ruled out, along with the picnic and a gay run.
Other Asian countries which were former British colonies with laws regarding homosexual sex as a crime include India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Hong Kong, a strong economic rival, decriminalized gay sex in 1991. The latest constitution in Thailand, another competitor, grants equal rights for homosexuals.
Actor Ian McKellen, in Singapore in July performing in William Shakespeare's King Lear, spoke out far more strongly than local gays dare. "It's about time Singapore grew up, I think, and realized that gay people are here to stay," said the British star, who was in Lord of the Rings.
"Just treat us with respect like we treat everybody else and the world will be a better place."
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