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Anti-discrimination laws may not help curb LGBT stigma

I refer to the letter “More public resources for LGBTs can help blunt stigma” (Jan 23). I disagree with the writer’s suggestion that enacting more anti-discrimination laws would help blunt the stigma towards lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBTs).

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Lim Choong Pin

I refer to the letter “More public resources for LGBTs can help blunt stigma” (Jan 23). I disagree with the writer’s suggestion that enacting more anti-discrimination laws would help blunt the stigma towards lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBTs).

Under such laws, it may mean that members of the public may not be denied something — employment or a bank loan, for example — unless there is a good reason.

But to use employment as an example, the process of choosing employees is itself a form of discrimination. The employer has to choose the best-suited candidate for the role.

With anti-discrimination laws, there would be additional burden on businesses and employers to justify specifically why certain candidates were not chosen or chosen, whether for promotion or the process of being terminated for poor performance.

Economically speaking, the introduction of additional anti-discriminatory laws would not be healthy for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) nor the business environment in general. It might even result in additional discrimination, which would be a most ironic result, indeed.

Additional laws will not be able to legislate away bigotry and prejudice, and may only breed more resentment. It also results in loss of individual and corporate liberties as it intrudes into the private operations of businesses.

LGBTs should be free to live their lives without harassment and bigotry. In Singapore, there is support and space for LGBTs in society.

There are groups supporting their interests that are funded by the community, and a simple Internet search turns up resources for where one might seek assistance or counselling, or like-minded people.

Films and plays with gay themes are not banned and LGBTs are free to socialise in public.

The Ministry of Manpower already has a set of rules to deal with unfair employment practices and errant employers, and it can exercise its powers where it needs to.

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