2022: Met youth leaders from Protect Singapore

I also took some time to meet up online with youth leaders from the Protect Singapore movement. They spoke passionately about how they felt about the upcoming repeal of section 377A, and their views and concerns on how Singapore is changing as a society. Their concerns range from the makeup of the family, to health matters and the upbringing of children, all of which are fundamental to any society.

I was glad that they affirmed the need to continue to have dialogue and engagement, and that they emphasised having respect for others who did not share their views. I was also encouraged that they largely understood the legal underpinnings of why Parliament was moving now to repeal section 377A (although they did not necessarily agree).

https://www.facebook.com/rajjoshthomas/posts/pfbid02y9o2Ba8PAzVsXghZZW4vFhKqYQmCfZkYZbvRvoCgX5X9rnrfP6Bqkgmg1JPXHvPXl

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2022: Youth bullied for being pro-family

I was, however,  saddened to hear that they had encountered incidents of name-calling and harassment due to their advocacy, including by LGBTQ+ activists. A national dialogue, especially on divisive issues, needs a plurality of voices to be heard. These voices, as long as they are respectful and not unlawful, must have a safe space to speak out and be heard. This is their right and this right must be safeguarded.

https://www.facebook.com/rajjoshthomas/posts/pfbid02y9o2Ba8PAzVsXghZZW4vFhKqYQmCfZkYZbvRvoCgX5X9rnrfP6Bqkgmg1JPXHvPXl

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2022: Admires youths for speaking up courageously about pro-family views

I told them that I admired their courage for speaking up, especially given that their views might not be the most popular at this time, and that they should continue to do so, without fear.

https://www.facebook.com/rajjoshthomas/posts/pfbid02y9o2Ba8PAzVsXghZZW4vFhKqYQmCfZkYZbvRvoCgX5X9rnrfP6Bqkgmg1JPXHvPXl