Last Thursday, several members of Aware's newly elected executive committee revealed why they had stood for election.
They said the women's group had lost sight of its original purpose and had become pro-lesbian and pro-homosexual.
Six of the exco members are said to belong to the same church. Also present at the conference was lawyer Thio Su Mien, who described herself as a 'feminist mentor'.
The older members of Aware refuted the new exco's charges on Friday.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Nothing 'sneaky' about elections
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The Sunday Times put more questions to the new exco.
There is disquiet among certain quarters about the stealthy - some call it 'sneaky' - manner in which your group came to power. Some have asked why those standing for the exco at the annual general meeting (AGM) did not speak openly against the dangerous lesbian and homosexual direction in which they considered Aware was heading. Why weren't your intentions made more transparent?
There was nothing 'sneaky' about the elections, despite the misleading characterisation by various parties. Each person was elected in accordance with the Constitution of Aware. This is democracy in practice, though emotive terms like 'coup' have been used for full 'wayang' effect.
What exactly is the new exco's view on homosexuality and lesbianism?
We recognise that there are lesbians and homosexuals in our society. Like all citizens, they should be treated with dignity and respect. We believe citizens should be left alone to live quiet lives. However, it is not an objective of Aware to champion the homosexualism agenda of political activists. Aware is not an appropriate platform for such activism. The intent of the new exco is to help women across all spectrums.
We abhor all forms of violence against anybody. We reject all bullying tactics. Aware is committed to free and informed debates on matters of public concern.
It is not helpful to talk in general terms. So, let's look at specific issues.
For example, Aware would stand with lesbians who are discriminated against (by being paid) unequally for equal work. This violates Cedaw (Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women).
However, the homosexualism agenda affects much broader social issues. For example, in relation to sex education, Aware has a Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE) programme for 12- to 18-year-olds which has many helpful points. However, there is concern over specific issues in the current programme which are very controversial.
Some examples from the current CSE programme are:
# Anal sex 'can be healthy or neutral if practised with consent and with a condom'.
# 'People might place premarital sex as negative, but it is really neutral.'
# 'Avoid using the term 'husband' and use 'partner' instead, so it is more inclusive. For example, 'homosexuals have partners, not husbands'.'
These are not 'neutral' statements. They contain moral judgments which not everybody agrees with. We are reviewing the contents of the programme as a whole.
What role will your religion play in the way you run Aware? What do you say to critics who say you are bringing your religious beliefs into the way a secular organisation is being run?
Aware is a secular organisation that is committed to the welfare of women. These are universal values. A Buddhist, Christian, Hindu or Muslim would find this secular objective consistent with their religious beliefs.
We are committed to promoting the welfare of all women in Singapore, regardless of race or religion, within the context of a secular democratic society.
Asking questions about religious beliefs and associations is about as relevant as asking people about their sexual preferences. What is important is that we share a common ground on many important women's issues and can work together to promote these.
Aware will continue to be run in a manner consistent with its original vision and mission in the spirit of an inclusive consultative approach. We value the inputs of all stakeholders. We recognise the importance of civil society groups in evolving an open participatory democracy which benefits all Singaporeans.
Will you be changing the Aware Constitution to reflect your views, or change the Constitution in any way?
Any constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds majority vote by members at the AGM and the prior sanction of the Registrar of Societies and the Commissioner of Charities to come into force.
We have no plans to change the Aware Constitution. Our immediate plan is to review our current plans and programmes for 2009, and the more practical issue of how to effectively implement them.
Are there other civil societies in Singapore that your group feels are heading towards a dangerous trend with regard to sexuality? Do you have plans to contest seats there?
Our focus is on Aware and its programmes.
What are the three top areas Aware will be looking at?
Our concerns will be fully set out in our shadow Cedaw report. But the main areas will include:
# Women affected by the current economic crisis. For example, retrenchment and retraining issues and helping to reintegrate women wishing to re-enter the workforce; and employment discrimination against pregnant women who are especially vulnerable during bad economic times.
# Helping working women achieve a healthy work-life balance.
# Education matters. A holistic approach towards the physical and psychological well-being of girls and women. Contemporary problems facing female teenagers. For example, wholesome eating habits (bulimia, anorexia), a healthy self-image (self-mutilation, girl gangs), and sex education.
What role will Dr Thio Su Mien play in Aware in future?
Dr Thio is a member of Aware but not the exco. We look forward to the active participation of all members.
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