2024: Attended Pink Dot
Four Members of Parliament (MP) from the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) were spotted at the 2024 edition of Pink Dot.
Eric Chua, MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community & Youth and Social & Family Development, previously attended Pink Dot in 2023.
So did Derrick Goh, MP for Nee Soon GRC.
https://mothership.sg/2024/06/pap-members-of-parliament-at-pink-dot/
2024: Happy to hear about "growing acceptance of LGBT+ rights"
Goh also spoke to Mothership, commenting on the survey.
He said Singaporeans are "maturing in their own way" and since the repeal of 377A, there is greater acceptance, and he was happy to hear about the results.
https://mothership.sg/2024/06/pap-members-of-parliament-at-pink-dot/
Score Before Pink Dot 2024
2023: Attended Pink Dot
Stressing that he was attending in his personal capacity, he said that has spoken in support of the repeal of Section 377A and he was glad that "we took the decision as a country to do this".
Speaking of the repeal, we asked if Goh sees it paving the way for more of such policies in the future.
"I don't think so," he said in his personal capacity, before explaining that it's a broader issue about treating each other with respect:
"I think we want everyone to be treated equally, and well, with respect. I think that's where we are comfortable as a country."
https://mothership.sg/2023/06/pink-dot-2023-eric-chua/
2022: Asked about workplace benefits for gay couples
Currently, some multinational companies offer family benefits to their gay staff, like those for traditional couples. Can the Government explain if it supports such arrangements and its position if gay couples were to push for more workplace benefits?
https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=bill-607
2022: Supported repeal of Section 377A
Our Government has demonstrated its even-handed approach and the two Bills placed before us are well-balanced and are steps forward in the right direction. It recognises that there is a place for everyone, factoring majority preferences and protecting the dignity of our gay community.
https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=bill-607
2022: Asked for strengthening structure of marriage
On this premise, my community at Nee Soon welcomes Prime Minister Lee and Deputy Prime Minister Wong's assurance that the definition of marriage will not change under their watch and the PAP Government's stance on the traditional family as a basic building block of our society will be strengthened while also respecting the dignity and place of gays in our community.
On this point, it is my hope that on this basis, our Government will continue to find ways to further strengthen the structure of marriage and family in our current policies.
https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=bill-607
2022: Facebook post about post-NDR dialogue
We also had a good discussion on the topic of Section 377A - it was honest and candid. Participants noted this as a difficult issue confronting our government. They were supportive of the repeal of 377A recognising the LGBT+ members in our community, they didn’t want to see a shift in the pro-family stance of the government. They were also keen to see continued societal norms prevailing in the workplaces and hoped that the government will monitor and prevent foreign entities from influencing out way of life. Many were also relieved with PM and DPM’s assurance that existing policies on such matters will not change with the repeal.
https://www.facebook.com/100063566297557/posts/499633242165548/?mibextid=aubDjK&rdid=Ey2L4RsjcxExt7gC
2022: Asked question in parliament about court judgements concerning Section 377a
Lastly, given the recent media reports and commentaries, can the Minister provide the Government's views on the Court of Appeals' judgment on the constitutional challenge to section 377A of the Penal Code.
https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=budget-1854
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/section-377a-ruling-govt-is-considering-different-viewpoints-carefully-says-shanmugam
2022: Facebook post about the question he asked
While I can see why the legal experts feel Section 377A left in our Penal Code is untidy where the legislative position is preserved while accommodating the concerns of those directly affected by the law, this is a practical and a balanced approach.
Singapore's success has been forged based on our multi-racial and multi-religious society. As long as we stay focused on protecting our social cohesion and harmony, we will continue to be successful and strong in our diversity!
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?id=100063566297557&story_fbid=374758951319645
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