Forum: Self-radicalised teen’s plan raises concerns about safety of LGBTQ+ community
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We are writing in response to the news about LGBTQ+ tertiary students and other Singaporeans being targeted in attacks (19-year-old arrested for plotting knife attacks on Sembawang Air Base soldiers, LGBTQ schoolmates, July 27).
We wish to express our concern about the safety of the LGBTQ+ community in Singapore.
We are grateful to the Internal Security Department and the Ministry of Home Affairs for their swift action to intercept the youths and prevent the execution of their plans; in particular, the 19-year-old youth’s targeting of LGBTQ+ tertiary students simply because “he viewed their behaviour as not conforming” to his own radicalised beliefs. No one should be made to feel unsafe like this.
This latest report serves as a reminder of the continued need for vigilance, not just from members of the LGBTQ+ community, but also from everyone in Singapore to guard against extremist religious radicalisation, hatred and bigotry.
As we look forward to celebrating Singapore’s 61st National Day, let us continue pledging ourselves as one united people, to build a country where democracy, justice and equality are not just aspirational values, but lived realities for everyone.
Peh Yin Yee
Executive Director
Oogachaga Community Services
