Hateful behaviour against LGBTs similar to radicalisation

The previous week saw much outrage over Facebook user Bryan Lim’s comments about firing on a community whose cause he is against (“Police report made about man who wanted to ‘open fire’ on LGBT community”; TODAY online, June 14). But as a nation and as a society, Singapore should be far more concerned about groups that support and normalise violent intentions.

The Facebook group known as We Are Against Pink Dot has been around for some years. Over time, the attitude and rhetoric of some commenters have deviated from the group’s stated purpose of promoting pro-family values.

For example, I have observed comments blaming gay men for social problems, comments defending Mr Lim and comments questioning the motives of the LGBT (lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered) community in expressing sympathy for the victims of the Orlando shooting.

I am deeply disturbed by the atmosphere of encouragement and approval surrounding the rhetoric. Inflammatory, libellous or violent comments are seldom called out.

The behaviour of such groups is similar to the process of radicalisation among ideological extremists. Inflammatory statements are normalised, followed by normalisation of the desire to harass, the desire to commit violence and celebrating violence.

It is easy for people in such an environment to develop the impression that violence is not only acceptable but worthy of celebration. Those in such groups, and those who sympathise with such groups, should re-examine their attitudes. Singapore cannot afford this kind of ideological hardening.