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May 2, 2008
Gay issue in the US far from settled
I AM perturbed by Mr Ken Lee Jun-Jie's views and recommendations in his online letter on Tuesday, 'MDA high-handed in its fine on Ch5 for gay episode'.

US practice is far from being settled. Same-sex marriages and adoption of children by same-sex couples are not approved in all US states. The permissive laws and practices in Canada have been strongly divisive and its society is unfortunately polarised. Mr Lee should not mislead us by selectively citing highly controversial practices by arguably a numerical and political minority in countries such as the US and Canada.

Broadcasting (free-to-air) channels have widespread reach and thus different considerations, especially towards the young, apply. The question still remains, whether homosexual values including same-sex marriage and alliances and adoption of children are healthy and beneficial for our society. MDA content guidelines and enforcement therefore strike a good balance in light of the broader interests of our society.

Moreover, apart from the interests of the young, broadcasting a show which advocates a highly controversial value is an invasion of the majority's will against the mainstreaming of homosexuality in Singapore, as endorsed by PM Lee during last October's parliamentary debates. Adult Singaporeans, who are so inclined or actively seek to be 'educated', can easily access other available sources such as the Internet.

By not blindly following the controversial position adopted by some in other countries, MDA has shown itself to be a credible and discerning regulator.

Andrew Lim

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