Lambert’s inclusion reflects inclusive spirit

The safeguard against polarisation of society, when organising public events such as the New Year countdown celebration, is the adherence to the principles of secularism as practised in Singapore.

Mediacorp’s decision to include singer Adam Lambert in the concert line-up is admirable. It reflects a spirit of inclusiveness (“Adam Lambert’s sexual identity should not be an issue in show”; Dec 5).

I trust Mediacorp will not fail in its obligation to conform to the broadcast regulations of the Media Development Authority (MDA).

If the issue, as the online petitioners claim, is not about his sexuality but about the concern that sexually provocative acts might be broadcast live on national television, then why the need for public agitation through an online petition?

A complaint to the MDA would have sufficed. Instead, the petition and the counter-petition are evidence of the divide between two groups.

One is a group of conservatives trying to exclude lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people from equal opportunity to fame through public events; the other is trying to help the LGBT community, to become inclusive and live with respect.

While I respect the private morality of the group of conservatives, I regret that if Mr Lambert is removed from the line-up, it would give the wrong signal to our LGBT community.

As the New Year countdown is secular and will be held in public places, it would be unfair to exclude Mr Lambert based on the irrational fear that the broadcasting code of practice might be violated.