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Emotive language in LGBT debate does not mean support for violence

I refer to the letter “Hateful behaviour against LGBTs similar to radicalisation” (June 21). Violence of any sort must be rejected. I believe that social media users here generally share this position.

I refer to the letter “Hateful behaviour against LGBTs similar to radicalisation” (June 21). Violence of any sort must be rejected. I believe that social media users here generally share this position.

These include the Facebook group We Are Against Pink Dot, a platform for Singaporeans who are uncomfortable with the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) agenda to express their views.

To put things into perspective regarding the issue of Mr Bryan Lim, who made some inappropriate comments on Facebook, those comments were made before the Orlando shooting. This should be made known before one readily blames him for trying to incite violence and killing.

Contrary to the letter writer’s impression, I do not think there was any support for violence among the comments on the Facebook page.

What is important is to not deny Singaporeans’ concerns about the promotion of the LGBT lifestyle here, expressed through many forms of media.

The Prime Minister has said that we accept gays here and do not discriminate against them. However, attempts to push for changes in laws and policies to promote such a lifestyle as mainstream are a different issue.

The LGBT issue is now a divisive issue, invoking strong and often emotional reactions from both sides. It is inevitable that writers and social media users will use less-than-neutral terms to express themselves.

This does not equate to inciting and celebrating violence unless and until there is clear evidence of such. We should refrain from making such trigger-happy accusations.

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