Gay community assembles at Hong Lim Park

Home

News

Singapore

Saturday, 16 May 2009

Singapore Democrats

The gay and lesbian community congregated at Hong Lim Park today for the "pinkdot" celebration. Approximately 1,000 people were decked out in anything that was pink, including T-shirts, hats and umbrellas. A little dog was even dyed the colour.

The event included dancing and music as well as the more traditional lion dance. The occasion, according to the organisers, was aimed at bringing gay and lesbian people "closer to their family and friends."

The highlight of the afternoon was the formation of a pink dot -- a rather large one -- by the participants. At the designated moment those in the formation opened their umbrellas and released balloons.

The event is the first of its kind organised by a civil society group. The other occasion that attracted as many people were meetings held by Mr Tan Kin Lian for cheated mini-bond investors.

Today's commemoration signals an active civil society, albeit one confined to the gay community. It shows that Singaporeans are eager to assemble and can do it peacefully.

Hopefully, this will encourage other Singaporeans to step forward to similarly exercise their right of speech and assembly, although it must be pointed out that under the Constitution the Government does not have the power to restrict gatherings to the Speakers' Corner. Such a restriction makes a mockery of free speech and freedom of assembly.