And you shall know the truth. And the truth shall set you free

Homosexuality

In comparison to the United States, tolerance and attitudes towards homosexuality is still very conservative in our local culture - gays and lesbians may be beginning to open up about their sexual orientation, but they are still trying to seek recognition from the government and society. In a recent poll conducted by a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) group over the Internet from 7 September to 12 October 2010, 1003 valid responses were counted. (source)

In 2007, our Prime Minister said in Parliament that repealing the law would grant acceptance to gay activists. (source) Although homosexuals work in all sectors and are free to lead their lives and pursue their social activities, the government cannot approve of them actively promoting their lifestyle to others or setting the tone of mainstream society.

In the United States, a few states recognise same-sex marriages, and homosexuals are still fighting for more recognition.

Socially, there is also more freedom in the United States for media to portray and reflect sexual contents, whereas Singapore’s television programs that “advocate” or “promote” homosexuality are routinely censored. In 2008, MediaCorp (our local television station) was fined S$15,000 (US$11,500) by the Media Development Authority (MDA) for broadcasting an episode of a home and decor reality TV show that featured a same-sex couple and their adopted child.

Use of Contraceptives

Similar to America, Singapore’s post-war baby boomers were in their productive years by the 1940s. We experienced exponential rates of population growth leading to social problems such as food and housing shortages, and raised concerns over the welfare of mothers who underwent multiple pregnancies and the unwanted children produced by families without the means to support them. Like the United States, the main purpose of contraceptives in Singapore was birth control. Prior to the introduction of the oral pill in the 1960s, the most popular contraceptive methods were the diaphragm, the condom and the foam tablet.

Today, contraceptives are used by both single and married women as well as men. Most contraceptives both in Singapore and the US are obtainable with a prescription from any general practitioner or convenience store.

Legal abortion

As in America, abortion is also legal in Singapore and similarly it is only within the first two trimesters or twenty-four weeks in our context unless a mother’s life is in danger. Statistics show that there were 12,222 abortions in Singapore in 2008, compared to 11,933 in 2007. During the same period there were 39,935 babies delivered indicating that roughly 1 in 4 pregnancies are terminated. While a small proportion of pregnancies are terminated for health reasons, most terminations are due to financial or social concerns (unwanted pregnancy). (source)

The liberalization of abortion legislation in 19974 resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of abortions performed. With the easy access to legal abortions, a study done by National University of Singapore’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology showed that teenage abortion rate peaked at 13.7 per 1000 female teenagers in 1985 compared to 0.2 in 1970.

Teenage Sexuality and Sex Education in School

Local newspapers reports show that teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease cases are on the rise among the youth. Institutes for higher education such as polytechnics and universities no longer promote abstinence but safe sex. Condoms are given out in campus to spread the message of safe sex. (source)

Fueled by the rising influence of the western culture of liberal expression, the rise in the popularity of a sex culture is a worrying trend in Singapore. It is becoming gradually acceptable that casual sex has become an acceptable way of life for a growing number of youth and attitudes towards sex are becoming lax. (source)