Much has been debated recently regarding Singapore’s Penal Code, in particular Section 377A, following the recent decision by the Indian Supreme Court to rule in favour of decriminalising homosexuality. Several individuals (including prominent public figures) and groups have weighed in on both sides in print and online media platforms, and some have even been aggressively garnering support for online petitions either to support or repeal. What follows is a personal reflection on this pertinent and controversial topic, and by no means reflects our church’s official position. The intention here is also not to debate on a theological level, as if to prove or defend my position on 377A or homosexuality. Instead, my hope is that it will encourage reflection of our own personal response, suggesting a more balanced approach towards this and related issues.
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Tag Archive: sexuality
On 26 June 2015, the US Supreme Court ruled by a 5-to-4 vote that the Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage, also known as the Obergefell v. Hodges case. The date coincides with the anniversary of 2 landmark rulings, United States v. Windsor that struck down a federal law denying benefits and recognition to same-sex marriages 2 years ago, and Lawrence v. Texas that struck down sodomy laws in 13 states 12 years ago. Incidentally, Justice Anthony Kennedy authored the majority opinion and was considered the “swing vote” in all 3 cases.
You can find more information about the case and ruling below.
Obergefell v. Hodges (Wikipedia)
Supreme Court ruling makes same-sex marriage a right nationwide (NY Times)
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Anthony Kennedy – How one man’s evolution legalized marriage for millions
These 35 companies just told America exactly what they think about the SCOTUS gay marriage ruling
What else to read about the gay marriage decision (CT)
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In January 2013, a Christian couple, Aaron and Melissa Klein who run a bakery “Sweet Cakes by Melissa” were asked by a lesbian woman, Rachel Cryer, to bake a cake for her upcoming marriage ceremony to Laurel Bowman. The couple declined, saying that doing so would violate their faith. They were subsequently were sued under Oregon state law, and ordered to compensate the same-sex couple $135,000 in damages. They eventually closed down their bakery after an overwhelming viral social media campaign against their business. However, they have managed to raise over $372,000 within 2 months through crowdfunding.
Related articles:
Goodwill gesture: Christian bakers send cakes, Ray Comfort’s film to gay groups | Christian Today
Gay pastry chef calls fellow gays ‘Nazis’ for bullying Christians to make their cakes | Christian Today
Bakery owners: Same-sex wedding cake ruling is ‘persecution of Christians’ | Washington Times
Christian bakers raise $372,000 on fundraising page after refusing to make cake for lesbian couple and fined $135,000 in damages | Christian Today
Record-breaking $358K raised for ‘Sweet Cakes’ Bakery for Christians who refused to make lesbian wedding cake | Washington Examiner
GoFundMe shuts down crowdfunding for anti-gay bakery | CNN
‘He’s doing this to the wrong Christian’: Bakers hit out after court rules that they must pay $135k to lesbian couple after they refused to make them a wedding cake | Daily Mail UK
Christian bakers face 135k fine for refusing to make cake for gay wedding | NY Post
Oregon judge fines Christian bakers $135,000 for refusing to bake a gay ‘wedding’ cake | LifeSiteNews
Christian Couple Forced to Close Bakery Due to Gay Activism May Face Over $150K in Damages | Christian Post
A newly-published study shows that abstinence education is more effective in reducing sexual activity among youths than other programs.
The study was compiled and released by Drs. John and Loretta Jemmott, and Dr. Geoffrey Fong, following 662 African American middle school students for a full two years after their completion of either an abstinence class, safe-sex class, or a combination of both.
One-third of students who completed the abstinence program had sexual intercourse within two years of the class, compared to more than half of those who participated in safe sex and condom use programs, and more than 40 percent who received a combination of both abstinence and safe sex education.
See related articles
Abstinence-only education is found to delay sex (NY Times, 02 Feb 10)
Abstinence targeted in teen pregnancy report (CP, 29 Jan 10)
http://www.outofur.com/archives/2009/07/beyond_us_versu.html
by Brandon O’Brien (Out of Ur, 15 Jul 2009)
O’Brien interviews Andrew Marin on building bridges between the GLBT and Christian communities.
http://www.albertmohler.com/?cat=Blog&cid=4122
by Albert Mohler (15 Jul 2009)
Acting in open defiance to the worldwide Anglican Communion, the Episcopal Church has voted to end a de facto moratorium on the election and consecration of openly gay bishops. The vote — overwhelming in both houses of the denomination’s General Convention — comes barely 6 years after the American church brought its worldwide communion to the brink of disaster.
The specific language adopted by the General Convention declared the church’s openness to the ordination or election of homosexual persons to “any ordained ministry.” In taking this action, the Episcopal Church now signals its absolute determination to defy Scripture, tradition, and the urgent cries of its own sister churches in the Anglican Communion.
Source: https://pluralsg.wordpress.com/2009/07/06/cna-singapore-wont-repeal-homosexual-law/
by Hoe Yeen Nie (CNA, 5 July 2009)
This article notes Singapore’s Law Minister K. Shanmugam’s comments and reactions to India High Court’s recent decision to decriminalise gay sex between consenting adults, overturning colonial-era legislation that outlawed homosexuality.
Law Minister K Shanmugam has said Singapore will not decriminalise gay sex but the courts have the power to decide how the law, Section 377, is applied. Section 377A of the Penal Code deems sex between men a crime.
http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/publications/cci/christianity_and_sexuality
by Christopher Ash (Christ on Campus Initiative)
An excellent research article that discusses sexuality from a Christian, biblical perspective. Ash covers topics ranging from creation order, service of God, sex as a substitute, and the disordered world we live in.
Full coverage of the AWARE saga at http://www.channelnewsasia.com/aware/newsarchives.htm
Excerpts:
Straits Times face conservative backlash against its AWARE coverage (17 May 09)
Observers welcome government’s restraint in AWARE matter (16 May 09)
Gay agenda ‘unfounded’, says AWARE (16 May 09)
Media coverage ‘not sufficiently balanced’ at times (15 May 09)
Rejected ST letter: A mother of two criticizes the rowdy behaviour at AWARE’s EOGM (Sgpolitics, 07 May 09)
Josie Lau’s exco resigned “for the sake of AWARE” (03 May 09)
New Exco of AWARE given vote of no confidence (02 May 09)
Related articles:
MOE tightens control on sex education delivered by external agencies (21 May 09)
Homosexual groups, pro-family groups call for tolerance on gay issue (16 May 09)
Government’s position on homosexuality unchanged 14 May 09)
MOE suspends sexuality education programmes by external vendors (06 May 09)
Pastor apologises for misusing pulpit (02 May 09)
DPM Wong welcomes umbrella Christian body’s stand on AWARE sage (01 May 09)
MOE investigates complaints over AWARE’s sex ed programme (01 May 09)
Skillful Shepherds 