Pink Dot Event Discussion (2007 to Present Day) (compiled)

[Guest EricB]

7 hours ago, yoyo74 said:

Dont anyhow spread fear, if they want to purge they gotta purge several 10 of thousands of people. This forum had long been spy on by extremist religious bigots. I am sure some of them will comment here to spread fear or say they not interested in this event and try to persuade others not to come for pink dot indirectly.

 

But Ibreally don't see the point of filtering the crowd to only that they can easily track. I already know some lgbt that ever since they attended preevios same event, they have been denied on their PR applications again and again.

[Vometra]

All of us should make it a point to attend and encourage our more apathetic friends to attend as well, maybe even our families.

Oh, please ignore the trolls, fear-mongers and saboteurs from the other side with ulterior motives.

[Guest Loca loca]

Compared to outright banning of an event, this kind of discrimination is sophisticated and subtle, hence tricky. Some government apologists would say the government is trying to gauge this time the number of actual Singaporeans who turned up at the event, but there is no evidence of this motive behind the new rules. It seems whenever a gay enterprise becomes too successful, the government would interfere to clamp down on it. The same thing happened to nation parties, although they were outright banned. Both interference were due to complaints from the public, or Christian groups. We'll see if the turnout increased this time in spite of the odds presented, what excuse can they come up with to hinder the success of the event the next time. Maybe use overcrowding, terrorism risks and crowd safety as an excuse? We will never know what excuse they will come up with next.

[LeanMature]

4 hours ago, Guest EricB said:

 

But Ibreally don't see the point of filtering the crowd to only that they can easily track. I already know some lgbt that ever since they attended preevios same event, they have been denied on their PR applications again and again.

 

Previous Events?  There wasn't any rules against foreigners attending the event in the past and there wasn't any checking on them or taking down of their particulars.  MOM will come after you for spreading such rumour.

[Guest Guest]

They see your IC only right? Don they record or scan your IC?

[abang]

Will there be designated gates/entrances to enforce this checking of PINK IC?  Will the police be standing next to our organisers/volunteers?  Unless of course if they install electronic gates at these entrances - very similar to those at public swimming pool!

[yoyo74]

12 hours ago, Guest EricB said:

 

But Ibreally don't see the point of filtering the crowd to only that they can easily track. I already know some lgbt that ever since they attended preevios same event, they have been denied on their PR applications again and again.

I dont think they can track or bother to track more than 20k people at the pink dot. Those people that being denied is most probably due to other reasons. Nobody ever note down any of our names when we are there at pink dot. Even last year to get the pink placard, only the pink dot volunteer see the IC and give card immediately and nobody write our details down. So the tracking of LGBT is a false rumour.

[yoyo74]

5 hours ago, Guest Guest said:

They see your IC only right? Don they record or scan your IC?

Last year they only see your IC if u want to get the pink placard. They never record or scan IC so no worry.

[Momopolare]

Nice, looking forward to pinkdot 2017!

[yoyo74]

5 hours ago, abang said:

Will there be designated gates/entrances to enforce this checking of PINK IC?  Will the police be standing next to our organisers/volunteers?  Unless of course if they install electronic gates at these entrances - very similar to those at public swimming pool!

Our government wont be so crazy to waste so much money to fence the whole hong lim park for this one day event. The police need to be in hong lim park in case the wear white religious extremist suddenly come into hong lim park and try to fight with pink dot supporter.

[Guest I am real]

4 minutes ago, yoyo74 said:

Our government wont be so crazy to waste so much money to fence the whole hong lim park for this one day event. The police need to be in hong lim park in case the wear white religious extremist suddenly come into hong lim park and try to fight with pink dot supporter.

On 2nd thought, it is good to have security there to protect the Pink citizens.  You know those fundamentalist christian and muslim can do crazy things.  Their false God is not our true God.  True God loves the Gays.

[Guest Fuwar]

1 hour ago, Guest I am real said:

On 2nd thought, it is good to have security there to protect the Pink citizens.  You know those fundamentalist christian and muslim can do crazy things.  Their false God is not our true God.  True God loves the Gays.

 

Hmm... proof that true god loves gay?

 

Anyhow, I suspect that the fundamental christians today may ironically stone him to death...

[icayui]

I wasn't aware of need of ic just to visit hong Lim park area which normally I would think is an open public venue. I do wonder if the same restrictions apply to women's only events like AWARE... After all, we should be fair in implementing rules.

 

Men often have less support organisations and this pink dot, to me, could be a support avenue.

[tjan_troy]

17 hours ago, Guest Fuwar said:

 

Hmm... proof that true god loves gay?

 

Anyhow, I suspect that the fundamental christians today may ironically stone him to death...

 

The Bible is an interesting Book. God loves everyone, including those whom people hate and considered as strangers or "outsiders". Isaiah 56:3

Isaiah 56:3-5King James Version (KJV)

3b Neither let the EUNUCH say, Behold, I am a dry tree.

4 For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;

5 Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name BETTER THAN OF SONS AND DAUGHTHERS: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.

Matthew 19:11-12King James Version (KJV)

11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

12 For there are some EUNUCHS, which WERE SO BORN from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

Matthew 22:30King James Version (KJV)

30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.

 

The kingdom of heaven does not have male nor female, nor are they given in marriage. Our sexuality, whether male or female, straight or in between, is only a temporal state while living on earth. Ultimately, it is not the sexuality that you identify yourself with, but how your treat your neighbours as yourself.

 

Jesus said this "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." Paul said this "Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love, for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the Law. The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

 

Pink Dot is a movement of love. Not hatred. The wear white campaigners however is a champion of discrimination and hate. They are identical to the religious Pharisees in their attitudes and actions. This is obvious to the simple hearted. Haters will gonna hate. Just like the Pharisees 2000 years ago who ascribed to their "righteous religion", but were filled with anger and self-righteousness, so it will be to this generation of Pharisees.

Edited May 18, 2017 by tjan_troy

[TopChinese]

Please keep *the Bible out of our bedrooms and Hong Lim Park. 

 

Remember, there is no law against wearing pink on 1 July. Even if you don't join us there that afternoon, please show your support and solidarity! 

 

(*Koran, sutras and all the religious texts! Not specifically at you, Tjan_joy)

Edited May 18, 2017 by TopChinese
Not singling out one religion

[Vometra]

1 hour ago, TopChinese said:

Please keep your Bible out of our bedrooms and Hong Lim Park.

 

 

And Koran, TopChinese. Do remember who started the Wear White movement.

 

[tjan_troy]

1 hour ago, TopChinese said:

Please keep your Bible out of our bedrooms and Hong Lim Park.

 

Remember, there is no law against wearing pink on 1 July. Even if you don't join us there that afternoon, please show your support and solidarity! 

 

Sorry that I have stepped on your toes gorgeous. I was just replying someone else to prove my point.

 

To everyone else: Have a good party at Pink Dot guys! Have fun!!

[Guest Guest]

2 hours ago, TopChinese said:

Please keep your Bible out of our bedrooms and Hong Lim Park.

 

Remember, there is no law against wearing pink on 1 July. Even if you don't join us there that afternoon, please show your support and solidarity! 

Don't be so touchy can? He was just sharing if you read carefully ..

So ..All pls keep away  your Buddhist books Koran 

Hindu bible what ever stuff then ..can?

Happy ? eyes roll 

[Guest Very Happy]

Me and my husband will be attending Pinkdot.  This is the only time of the year for us to hold hands publicly and have an intimate picnic  without feeling ostracised. It is our MUST HAVE annual event

[Guest Dave]

Hey guys, instead of discussing on who can attend this event, I would like to know if anyone might be interested coming together for a night of just 100% worship. Regardless of your age, your background, your church, your personality. There is no official or unoffical organization, church, company behind or related to this. No agenda or motive, just coming together to worship. A venue filled by you guys, a small band with a list of 10-15 of hillsong songs. I reckon on a Saturday night would be good. Let me know what you guys think!

Cheers!!!

 

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord," - Acts 3:19

[Guest Crispiankk]

17 minutes ago, Guest Dave said:

Hey guys, instead of discussing on who can attend this event, I would like to know if anyone might be interested coming together for a night of just 100% worship. Regardless of your age, your background, your church, your personality. There is no official or unoffical organization, church, company behind or related to this. No agenda or motive, just coming together to worship. A venue filled by you guys, a small band with a list of 10-15 of hillsong songs. I reckon on a Saturday night would be good. Let me know what you guys think!

Cheers!!!

 

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord," - Acts 3:19

Will you ever be done spamming this gay forum with your PATRONISING and INSINCERE cut and paste template? GM should really ban the ip address of this "dave", as it appears he will never repent his sins.

[Guest Jude]

2 hours ago, Guest Dave said:

Hey guys, instead of discussing on who can attend this event, I would like to know if anyone might be interested coming together for a night of just 100% worship. Regardless of your age, your background, your church, your personality. There is no official or unoffical organization, church, company behind or related to this. No agenda or motive, just coming together to worship. A venue filled by you guys, a small band with a list of 10-15 of hillsong songs. I reckon on a Saturday night would be good. Let me know what you guys think!

Cheers!!!

 

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord," - Acts 3:19

 

I agree that Pink Dot is just an optional event. I'm Catholic and have been Obedience with my faith in Christ. It's been quite sometime since i have sex. I'm 29 and my bf and i hv been together for almost 7 years. He respect my faith. I found much greater Love in Christ. The possibility of a Homosexual tendency men to live Faithfully in Christ is possible. Especially after I've learned what is true Love. Differentiate between love and lust. My bf and I are much more loving and care for each other now even without sex. 

[yoyo74]

2 hours ago, Guest Dave said:

Hey guys, instead of discussing on who can attend this event, I would like to know if anyone might be interested coming together for a night of just 100% worship. Regardless of your age, your background, your church, your personality. There is no official or unoffical organization, church, company behind or related to this. No agenda or motive, just coming together to worship. A venue filled by you guys, a small band with a list of 10-15 of hillsong songs. I reckon on a Saturday night would be good. Let me know what you guys think!

Cheers!!!

 

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord," - Acts 3:19

Are you going to bring a small band of people wearing pink to Hong Lim Park on Pink Dot day to worship and sing song? If not than you should start another thread and not go off topic here.

[yoyo74]

36 minutes ago, Guest Jude said:

 

I agree that Pink Dot is just an optional event. I'm Catholic and have been Obedience with my faith in Christ. It's been quite sometime since i have sex. I'm 29 and my bf and i hv been together for almost 7 years. He respect my faith. I found much greater Love in Christ. The possibility of a Homosexual tendency men to live Faithfully in Christ is possible. Especially after I've learned what is true Love. Differentiate between love and lust. My bf and I are much more loving and care for each other now even without sex. 

For those that know what is true love will want to come to Pink Dot as it is to spread love and to support the justice and equality of every LGBT people being marginalized. I am a free thinker and only believe in solid evidence if i ever go with any religion. I have no interest in anal or oral sex as it is just a preference. Love and Lust? To me i can easily differentiate them and don't need to believe in Christ to do it.

Your love is only to love your bf and especially your imaginary god and not think about others, that's why you think Pink Dot is an optional event. My love is to love all our LGBT friends that is still being bullied and in constant fear of letting others know of their identity, that's why i made it a mandatory event to support and spread my love.

This is the difference between smaller selfish love and greater selfless love.

Edited May 18, 2017 by yoyo74

[abang]

Just for the info of those puritans..

Many of those participating in the event are HETEROSEXUALS.  They lend their support because all human should be treated with dignity.  Regardless of our sexual orientation, love is the common bond that binds us together.  So stop be so pious and stop condemning homosexuals.  

人间有爱-不管你是异性恋， 同性恋， 双性恋者。。不要因为我们的性向不同，而排斥我们这帮有上进心的同志。  人性的真善美在于互相包容，互相接受。

[Guest TerenceLim]

Is to have equality the main purpose of Pink Dot and someone have written this?

 

Decriminalising homosexual acts would be an error

By Yvonne C. L. Lee, For The Straits Times

READERS of The Straits Times have written in to question the rationale for the criminalisation of homosexual acts. It is imperative that we understand the legal and broader social implications, and that Parliament, in the forthcoming debate on the Penal Code reform, carefully considers these implications. 

The Home Affairs Ministry has indicated that Section 377A of the Penal Code (S377A) will be retained. S377A prohibits the commission of gross indecency by one male person with another male person. Opinions have been expressed that S377A may be unconstitutional because it discriminates against homosexuals by criminalising homosexual sex and not oral and anal sex committed by heterosexuals or lesbians. 

This is an over-simplistic reading of the equality clause. 

Context 

FIRSTLY, the legal meaning of equality must be understood within its social context. Equality is not an absolute value. Extreme applications of equality impair community interests and violate the rights of others. Furthermore, the Constitution does not prohibit all forms of discrimination. 

Like cases must be treated alike, but Parliament may enact measures which differentiate between different groups. The courts hold that such measures must satisfy two tests to be constitutionally valid: Firstly, the classification must have a rational basis. Secondly, the law must serve a legitimate purpose which is reasonably related to the basis for the classification. 

Each differentiating legal measure serves a social objective. For example, a married individual with four children enjoys higher tax relief than one without children. The public good is to encourage married couples to have more babies. 

To view the issue of S377A exclusively as a matter of equality omits the broader context - that rights can clash with other rights and community values. 

When they do, Parliament may pass laws which reflect the public good in preference over the rights of the individual or groups. 

Any argument to decriminalise homosexual sex must consider the harmful social consequences. For example, would affirming homosexual sexual practices serve the common good? It is a known medical fact that homosexual intercourse or sodomy is an inherently unhealthy act that carries higher risks of a number of sexually transmitted infections. The law should not facilitate acts which threaten public health.

Moreover, any reform to the Penal Code must preserve fundamental values which serve the public good, instead of abstract notions of equality or fashion. 

Broader agenda 

RECENT developments in foreign jurisdictions like Canada, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States indicate that the move to decriminalise homosexual sex is the first step in a broader homosexual rights agenda to transform social morality: 

- If S377A is repealed, homosexual sex is legitimised, transformed from a crime into an 'alternative lifestyle'. 

- The minimum age for sodomy must then be specified. This opens the door for homosexual lobbyists to pursue the next step of equalising the age of consent for homosexuals and heterosexuals. The current age of consent for homosexual sex in countries which have decriminalised sodomy ranges from 13 to 18, covering Singapore males from Secondary 1 to junior college. 

- The third step is re-conceptualising homosexuality as a civil right in the name of equality. As an 'alternative lifestyle', homosexual lobbyists will seek for this to be endorsed and 'mainstreamed' into society (for example, arts, education, entertainment and media), beyond the privacy of the bedroom. The current view that 'sexual orientation' should not be a basis for discrimination is problematic. 'Sexual orientation' is a vague term covering a range of sexual expressions, including paedophilia and bestiality. Also, the assertion that one is 'born gay' is scientifically unproven. 

- An active homosexual agenda has engendered clashes with fundamental liberties such as free speech and religious liberty. Christian pastors have been criminally prosecuted for sermons declaring that homosexuality is a sin, a view also held by Muslims and many non-religious people who consider homosexuality unnatural and morally repugnant.Attempts have been made to extend 'hate speech' laws to the Bible and Quran.  People who oppose the homosexual agenda are branded as intolerant, bigoted, homophobes, or hateful towards homosexuals who are merely 'different'. This does not promote free speech but seeks to censor it. If this intolerance against religion is imported into multiracial and multireligious Singapore, this will breed social divisiveness. 

- The final step involves attempts to redefine 'marriage', the fundamental institution and bedrock of many civilisations. The redefinition is a radical reconstruction of 'marriage' - no longer a union between man and woman but includes 'same-sex marriage'. Homosexuals must then be allowed to marry someone of the same sex and be given the benefits of marriage such as tax benefits, adoption of children and/or state-funded access to alternative 'reproduction' methods.

The argument that decriminalising homosexual sex will not cause a change in moral attitudes is erroneous. It has been suggested that even after adultery was decriminalised, it remained morally reprehensible. So too, decriminalising homosexual sex will not cause a shift in moral attitudes. 

While the law embodies a moral judgment, it is not always prudent for the law to punish all immoral behaviour. However, to draw an analogy between adulterers and homosexuals is fallacious. Adulterers do not seek societal approval, but certain homosexual activists campaign to alter the public mindset and to gain legal and social endorsement of the gay lifestyle. 

The fact is, under the proposed Penal Code reform, homosexuals wishing to lead private lives may do so, provided they do not foist their homosexual acts on the public. 

S377A is a legitimate statement of the values of our society. In constitutional terms, equality claims operate within a broader social context. 

Homosexuality is offensive to the majority of citizens. Allowing an aggressive homosexual rights agenda to dictate law reform ignores the nature of Singapore's multireligious, multiracial community. Such an agenda would be divisive. Therefore, the attention given to fundamental moral values of the majority of citizens by retaining S377A in its entirety strikes the right balance. 

The writer is an assistant professor who teaches company law and constitutional law at the Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore. The opinions expressed are the author's own.

[Guest Guest]

One of my sisters told me heng David Gan now Singapore citizen can attend pink dot but sad that passion cannot sponsor the event yet

[Guest Ha!]

1 hour ago, Nightingale said:

Goodness, this article was out in May 2007, ten years ago!

Exactly! And that period is the height of the xtian fundamentalist movement in Singapore. The writer Yvonne Lee is a good buddy of Thio Li Ann, probably from the same church. This guest TerenceLim is definitely one of them!  

[Vometra]

http://m.todayonline.com/voices/more-measures-needed-ensure-foreigners-dont-join-pink-dot-event

 

FROM ACE KINDRED CHEONG

I am glad that only Singaporeans and permanent residents (PRs) can attend Pink Dot from this year onwards, and only local companies can sponsor it.

It is important to disallow foreign individuals and organisations from interfering in Singaporean politics and social issues.

We must stop foreigners from abusing values such as democracy, freedom of speech and human rights in Singapore, and from spreading their agenda here.

The Pink Dot organisers should fence off Hong Lim Park and employ security officers and registration staff to ensure that only Singaporeans and PRs attend the event (NGOs seek clarity on organisers’ role at Speakers’ Corner events; May 17).

[CKW]

I like the words on the signs they're holding    Very witty

 

The two guys are damn cute too!

 

[Steve5380]

19 hours ago, Guest Ha! said:

Exactly! And that period is the height of the xtian fundamentalist movement in Singapore. The writer Yvonne Lee is a good buddy of Thio Li Ann, probably from the same church. This guest TerenceLim is definitely one of them!  

 

You mean that the Christian fundamentalist movement in SG is in decline?  Great!

Has the university not thrown out Thio Li Ann yet?  What are they waiting for?

I looked on the Internet and she should be close to 50 y.o. by now.

Didn't find any reference to her marriage or husband.  So she must be a... spinster?

spinning anti-gay propaganda?

I would have wished her to marry, and have a lesbian daughter and a gay son.

[Guest No love or sex life]

2 hours ago, Steve5380 said:

 

You mean that the Christian fundamentalist movement in SG is in decline?  Great!

Has the university not thrown out Thio Li Ann yet?  What are they waiting for?

I looked on the Internet and she should be close to 50 y.o. by now.

Didn't find any reference to her marriage or husband.  So she must be a... spinster?

spinning anti-gay propaganda?

I would have wished her to marry, and have a lesbian daughter and a gay son.

.....So very free and embarked on her own mission to destroy others' love and sex lives.

[Guest 2017 AC 还不如 2017 BC]

On Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 8:55 AM, Guest No love or sex life said:

.....So very free and embarked on her own mission to destroy others' love and sex lives.

This is the same scenario as the other closeted christian gays and lesbians in sham marriages - therefore no love or sex life, as they live their lives as a facade - out on "Christian crusades" to banish and keep gays out at the fringes of society. So much "christian love" indeed. More like banal excuses to banish their own fears and jealousies should one day gays be accepted by society while they are stuck with their fake lives and fake marriage contracts.

 

Disclaimer: I'm not saying all Christians are LGBTS, that is absurd. 

[Guest Fk dot]

May someone tells me what does pink dot do or benefit us in any where?

[Guest Fk dot]

May someone tells me what does pink dot do or benefit us in any where?

[mate69]

Here is something that might be of interest:

 

TAIPEI: A court ruling in Taiwan this week could make the island the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, in a decision that would give activists around the region new hope in their quest for equality.

A panel of grand justices will announce its verdict on Wednesday (May 24) in a landmark case that centres on whether Taiwan's current law on the issue is unconstitutional.

Campaigners are nervous but optimistic after years of court appeals and lack of progress in parliament.

The decision is binding.

[Hemnes]

In light of the Manchester Arena Bombing which happened early 6 am this morning in Singapore time during a concert, I feel that fellow PD2017 goers (including myself) should be very mindful and wary of their surroundings.

 

Pink dot has been having more and more turnouts and I don't think the recent amendments are going to cause a significant impact on this year's turnout. There are many hate filled people around and despite Singapore being "safe", we should always be on the lookout for suspicious people around. 

 

Remain vigilant!

[TopChinese]

The power of the pink dollar!

 

If you are thinking of a staycation at the Parkroyal on Pickering for PD2017, all the junior and executive suites in the Parkroyal on Pickering are already fully booked on Sat 1 Jul for Pink Dot. There are only standard and deluxe rooms left - don't expect upgrades. Any adjoining room requests will be subject to availability.

 

I think for that weekend, the hotel will also be handing out "Please Disturb" signs in pink

[jerseyboys]

32 minutes ago, TopChinese said:

The power of the pink dollar!

 

If you are thinking of a staycation at the Parkroyal on Pickering for PD2017, all the junior and executive suites in the Parkroyal on Pickering are already fully booked on Sat 1 Jul for Pink Dot. There are only standard and deluxe rooms left - don't expect upgrades. Any adjoining room requests will be subject to availability.

 

I think for that weekend, the hotel will also be handing out "Please Disturb" signs in pink

Thank you @TopChinese for that useful information !!!

I agree with you...That is the Power of the Pink Dollar, the affluence God has blessed the LGBT community with & some individuals blessed with exceeding wealth =)

For me personally, knowing that a hotel in the vicinity of <Pink Dot 2017> has been fully booked, goes to show( some members of ) the LGBT community are making logistical preparations...by lodging in a hotel...to allow themselves to go down to the battlefield to be both ACTIVIST & ADVOCATE on 1st July.

[Vometra]

25 minutes ago, jerseyboys said:

Thank you @TopChinese for that useful information !!!

I agree with you...That is the Power of the Pink Dollar, the affluence God has blessed the LGBT community with & some individuals blessed with exceeding wealth =)

For me personally, knowing that a hotel in the vicinity of <Pink Dot 2017> has been fully booked, goes to show( some members of ) the LGBT community are making logistical preparations...by lodging in a hotel...to allow themselves to go down to the battlefield to be both ACTIVIST & ADVOCATE on 1st July.

 

 

Didn't Parkroyal pulled their sponsorship of pinkdot?

http://www.mumbrella.asia/2015/04/parkroyal-on-pickering-does-not-renew-sponsorship-of-pink-dot-sg-but-goldman-sachs-backs-singapore-gay-pride-event-again/

In fact we should not book a single room there despite the convenience and proximity.

 

We should be spending our pink dollars on all those brave local sponsors instead.

Edited May 24, 2017 by Vometra

[heliumduck]

 

[heliumduck]

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/pink-dot-rally-to-have-barricades-security-officers-as-well-as-checks-of-bags-and-id

Pink Dot rally to have barricades, security officers, as well as checks of bags and ID

 

Quote

SINGAPORE - For the first time, a Speakers' Corner event will see barricades erected around Hong Lim Park with entry points manned by security officers. These security officers will also be checking the bags and identity cards of attendees.

 

These measures will be in place on July 1 at the ninth edition of annual lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rally Pink Dot.

They are put in place to deal with two issues: to ensure that foreigners do not attend the event, as well as security concerns in the wake of recent terrorist attacks.

Pink Dot organisers said that they were asked by police to suggest what measures they are taking to ensure that only Singaporeans and permanent residents attend the event.

.

The police had reminded them of an amendment to the Public Order Act in October last year: with effect from November last year, organisers of Speakers' Corner events "must ensure that only citizens of Singapore or permanent residents of Singapore participate in the assembly or procession". Those who fail to comply can face a fine of up to $10,000, be jailed for a maximum of six months, or both.

 

Pink Dot spokesman Paerin Choa told The Straits Times that after three rounds of discussions, "the only suggestion that the police has agreed to is barricading the park".

"This was a decision taken out of our hands and is something we do not readily agree with," he added, saying that the organisers had offered other suggestions such as random bag checks.

 

In response to ST's queries, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said: "The organisers are responsible for ensuring that suitable and appropriate measures have been put in place to ensure these rules are complied with.

"The Speakers' Corner is a designated outdoor area for Singaporeans and permanent residents to participate in assemblies and processions, and for Singaporeans to express their views on issues that matter to them."

 

But the bag checks were in response to security concerns given recent acts of terrorism around the globe, added the MHA.

Pink Dot were advised by police to check the bags of attendees for the safety of participants after a bomb went off last Monday at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, killing 22 and injuring 59.

Closer to home, two suicide bombers blew themselves up at a bus terminal in Jakarta last Wednesday, killing three policemen.

 

Pink Dot organisers said they have not finalised details, but are looking to have seven entry points manned by security personnel who will perform the identity and bag checks.

Since 2014 when the Wear White movement opposing Pink Dot started, rally organisers have been hiring security staff to make sure there are no hiccups. They hired 25 last year and may double the figure this year.

"It's not confirmed yet how many there will be. We're speaking with the security company to ensure that we get an adequate amount of security but there will definitely be security at every entry point and within the park itself," said Mr Choa.

 

These additional measures are expected to drive up costs, said Mr Choa. "We're thankful that we've 116 sponsors."

Last October, the authorities had made clear that events at the Speakers' Corner cannot have foreign sponsorship - an announcement that worried Pink Dot organisers since previous rallies relied on foreign dollars. In response, Pink Dot called for local companies to step up and rally behind them.

 

Now, organisers are hoping that Singaporeans and permanent residents will also throw their weight behind the event.

Mr Choa said: "It's all the more important that Singaporeans and permanent residents take a stand for the Singapore that they want, and to effect the change that they want to happen. This shouldn't hinder people from coming to Pink Dot this year. It may seem daunting, but just like no of companies who stepped forward, we're hoping the same thing will happen with individuals."

 

The ambassadors for Pink Dot this year are singer Nathan Hartono, para-swimmer Theresa Goh and actor Ebi Shankara.

 

 

[Vometra]

Nathan Hartono!!

 

[Cube3]

The authorities' anti-foreigner strategies will have little effect, cuz outside of the park they can still wear pink, celebrate and party with each other. Nearby there Boat and Clarke Quays, Nankin Row, Far East and China Squares, Raffles Place, Food Street and other parts of Chinatown. These can all be turned pink...?

[groyn88]

The Pink Dot 2017 media launch was held at 6:30pm on Tuesday, 30 May 2017 on the ground floor auditorium of 72-13, the home of TheatreWorks along Mohamed Sultan Road.
The changes to the Public Order Act which came into force in November 2016 and the barricading of Speakers' Corner to comply with the new regulations were announced, as well as the local sponsors and ambassadors for the year's event. The campaign video was also unveiled.

Edited May 30, 2017 by groyn88

[yoyo74]

Wow 116 local company sponsoring pink dot now. I somehow feel we already had a sizable amount of Singaporean citizens supporting LGBT getting equal rights. Maybe there are already more pink supporters than homophobic people. We need a referendum to know the real numbers. All those homophobic haters talking about them being the silent majority might not be true anymore lol.

Most probably later those homophobic spying in this forum will come here to act as one of us and say its not true lol

Edited May 30, 2017 by yoyo74

[Guest Still don't get it]

Can anyone explain why that party which cannot attend or wayang to win votes is stopping foreigners to support Pink Dot?

[GachiMuchi]

Nathan Hartono, Ebi Shankara and Theresa Goh chosen as Pink Dot 2017 ambassadors

May 30, 2017

 

Nathan Hartono, Ebi Shankara and Theresa Goh are this year’s Pink Dot ambassadors. (Photo: Pink Dot)

More

Ambassadors for this year’s Pink Dot event have been revealed to be local singer Nathan Hartono, paralympian Theresa Goh and singer/actor Ebi Shankara. The ninth Pink Dot event, a rally for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community (LGBT), will be held at Hong Lim Park on 1 July.

The ambassadors were revealed to the press during a media event on Tuesday (30 May), during which organisers also announced that the event has garnered support from a total of 116 local businesses as part of their “Red Dot for Pink Dot” campaign, surpassing their target of 100.

“The response to ‘Red Dot for Pink Dot’ has been astounding. Since the launch of the campaign on March 26, we have seen homegrown true blue Singapore companies step forward to be proud supporters… We actually thought having 100 sponsors for Pink Dot was very ambitious but boy were we very glad to be proven wrong,” said Pink Dot representatives Paerin Choa and Deryne Sim.

Proud to be faces of Pink Dot 2017

The three ambassadors seemed proud to be chosen as the faces for this year’s event. Goh, 30, who is a Singaporean swimmer and a Paralympic medalist, said, “Opportunities like these are not easy to get, and I want to be able to be a representation of something that I would have liked to see when I was younger.”

Vasantham star Ebi, 29, said, “Naturally I’ve always wanted to champion this cause. Everyone should have a right to be who they are and be happy.”

Meanwhile, Sing! China finalist Hartono, 25, said, “It feels like there is an undertone of tension in this city all the time and the first time I went to Pink Dot last year there’s none of that. Everyone just felt so unjudged and so happy and so joyful. It definitely left an impression on me.”

 

Pink Dot SG supports the LGBT community in conservative Singapore (Photo: Reuters)

More

Hong Lim Park to be barricaded for the first time

For the first time, organisers will be putting up barricades at the venue with seven entry and exit points.

There will be a total of 50 security personnel on the ground.

Security officers and volunteers will be checking photo identifications of those entering the event grounds to ensure that only Singaporeans and Permanent Residents are allowed in.

Those without the correct photo identifications will be refused entry.

“After a few rounds of negotiations [and] discussions with the police, they finally accepted one proposal that we made. This is a proposal that we don’t want at all, that we don’t agree with but boh pian [no choice],” said the event’s spokesperson.

[Guest Careful]

21 minutes ago, GachiMuchi said:

Nathan Hartono, Ebi Shankara and Theresa Goh chosen as Pink Dot 2017 ambassadors

May 30, 2017

 

Nathan Hartono, Ebi Shankara and Theresa Goh are this year’s Pink Dot ambassadors. (Photo: Pink Dot)

More

Ambassadors for this year’s Pink Dot event have been revealed to be local singer Nathan Hartono, paralympian Theresa Goh and singer/actor Ebi Shankara. The ninth Pink Dot event, a rally for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community (LGBT), will be held at Hong Lim Park on 1 July.

The ambassadors were revealed to the press during a media event on Tuesday (30 May), during which organisers also announced that the event has garnered support from a total of 116 local businesses as part of their “Red Dot for Pink Dot” campaign, surpassing their target of 100.

“The response to ‘Red Dot for Pink Dot’ has been astounding. Since the launch of the campaign on March 26, we have seen homegrown true blue Singapore companies step forward to be proud supporters… We actually thought having 100 sponsors for Pink Dot was very ambitious but boy were we very glad to be proven wrong,” said Pink Dot representatives Paerin Choa and Deryne Sim.

Proud to be faces of Pink Dot 2017

The three ambassadors seemed proud to be chosen as the faces for this year’s event. Goh, 30, who is a Singaporean swimmer and a Paralympic medalist, said, “Opportunities like these are not easy to get, and I want to be able to be a representation of something that I would have liked to see when I was younger.”

Vasantham star Ebi, 29, said, “Naturally I’ve always wanted to champion this cause. Everyone should have a right to be who they are and be happy.”

Meanwhile, Sing! China finalist Hartono, 25, said, “It feels like there is an undertone of tension in this city all the time and the first time I went to Pink Dot last year there’s none of that. Everyone just felt so unjudged and so happy and so joyful. It definitely left an impression on me.”

 

Pink Dot SG supports the LGBT community in conservative Singapore (Photo: Reuters)

More

Hong Lim Park to be barricaded for the first time

For the first time, organisers will be putting up barricades at the venue with seven entry and exit points.

There will be a total of 50 security personnel on the ground.

Security officers and volunteers will be checking photo identifications of those entering the event grounds to ensure that only Singaporeans and Permanent Residents are allowed in.

Those without the correct photo identifications will be refused entry.

“After a few rounds of negotiations [and] discussions with the police, they finally accepted one proposal that we made. This is a proposal that we don’t want at all, that we don’t agree with but boh pian [no choice],” said the event’s spokesperson.

It's actually a good thing for the safety of everyone. This being the month of Ramadan, those terrorists are going crazy in Philippines and Indonesia. We don't want them to pretend to be locals and commit their heinous acts here against gays, their favorite targets.

 

These terrorists are the the worse scums of mankind ever. We gays are way way better than them and they can't stand us. It's ironic that our local laws unintentionally agrees with them against gays. That's why they are getting bolder each day. Sometimes I guess we humans deserve what we get since we cannot understand such simple logics and come out with such stupid laws.

[Guest 未来女发棺]

The peenoise host's hairdo is so "lawyer"

Or maybe (s)he's growing hair to try this look

 

Or to pretend to be chinese in order to blend in and get hitched to a FTOB manly northern chinese man