Thousands take part in Singapore gay rights rally
- 10 years ago
A record 26,000 Singaporean supporters of gay rights descend on one of the city-state's parks.
They are here for the annual Pink Dot rally in a country where sex between men is punishable with up to two years in prison though it's rarely enforced.
But opposition from some quarters has also grown.
Some Muslim groups called on their followers to wear white in protest,
Some Christian groups have urged the government to properly enforce the law on gay sex.
Pink Dot rally organisers say they find the scale opposition disappointing.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PINK DOT SPOKESPERSON, PAERIN CHOA, SAYING:
"I mean every year we are prepared for some opposition, every year, it's just that this year the extent of the negativity has saddened us quite a bit."
Others preferred to focus on the positive purpose of the rally.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) SINGAPOREAN CITIZEN, ANDY, SAYING:
"Everybody is coming together in order to bring joy and just happine
They are here for the annual Pink Dot rally in a country where sex between men is punishable with up to two years in prison though it's rarely enforced.
But opposition from some quarters has also grown.
Some Muslim groups called on their followers to wear white in protest,
Some Christian groups have urged the government to properly enforce the law on gay sex.
Pink Dot rally organisers say they find the scale opposition disappointing.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PINK DOT SPOKESPERSON, PAERIN CHOA, SAYING:
"I mean every year we are prepared for some opposition, every year, it's just that this year the extent of the negativity has saddened us quite a bit."
Others preferred to focus on the positive purpose of the rally.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) SINGAPOREAN CITIZEN, ANDY, SAYING:
"Everybody is coming together in order to bring joy and just happine