Frankly speaking: Gender equality/gay rights

No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty save in accordance with law.

-Constitution of Singapore

That phrase single handily sums up my reservations about this issue. All people, regardless of nothing, should have the legal right to strive for happiness in whatever way they see fit. However, there should be moderation by the law- provided the law is drafted if its scientifically proven to harm the user significantly. Period. Not by social or cultural taboos, or some religion.

So homosexuality. Does it cause harm to the body? No. The only thing people can even argue is the (rumored, I can't be bothered to check) higher rate of HIV/AIDS in homosexual males, but thats because the American taboo/prosecution of gays (promoted vigorously by various churches).

If we draft laws to social taboos, this country would be no better than Iran. Will this means gays should be able to get married and have legal sex? Yes. But does that eck you out? Me too. But that does not mean the law should be against them. This logic is called "discrimination".

The difference between "minority" and "prosecuted minority" is huge. In this society, the moment we allow this to slip, its going to spread to other minorities, like people of different race or socio-economic background.

Well, thats my stand. Agree or disagree, its based on the same values of harmony that this country has used for so long.

Than there is gender equality.

All I really have to say is...

Its not only this. There are so many different ways men are socially obliged under chivalry to be double standardized.

For one, men should be legally allowed to be raped. Singapore rape laws explicitly applies to women according to the women's charter and my understanding (correct me if I am wrong).

The above isn't my point, really. I do agree men should uphold chivalry where they can, but women should be expected to do their part in this dance and not just assume only men should be gentlemen.

Each are good at different things- Men are generally stronger, more gruff, but do stuff in a straightforward way while ladies are generally more dexterous, and care more about the details. Not only that, the cultural landscape have different roles for men and women. (ie. dress code, chivalry)

The law should be used to enforce equal opportunities for all regardless of gender or religion or society, and no affirmative action (ie. extra rights to compensate for a perceived lack of rights in the past) should be taken. Thats it. Equal rights. Not pro-women, or pro-men, as it is perceived.

Singapore has already abolished most of the old traditions which oppressed women, and now we need to ensure affirmative action is not carried out to too much of an extent. The old values in Confucius and Shria law regarding women has largely disappeared, but still lingers. But as my generation with generally more liberal ideas mature, I believe, this will disappear completely one day.

But until then, the law must strictly toe the line between bias against either one. Which we have not been doing very well.

Thats what I believe in, anyway