Following the government's announcement to abolish Section 377A, Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo stated that it is "of the utmost importance" that the mainstream media in Singapore continue to be "responsible and balanced" in their coverage of LGBT topics.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong "made clear" in his National Day Rally address that the government did not want the repeal to "cause a radical shift" in Singapore's cultural standards, including what is aired on free-to-air television and in movie theaters.
On Saturday (August 27), Teo responded to a "Miak Siew" Facebook post in which he discussed his upcoming appearance on a radio program on 89.3 MoneyFM.
The Facebook user stated, "The repeal's announcement has made it easier for us to discuss LGBT issues 'live on TV.'"
Teo said that this viewpoint is "contrary to MCI's perspective."
Teo noted that the Facebook post conveyed the incorrect impression that Singapore's mainstream media, SPH Media Trust and MediaCorp, had shifted.
Teo said that the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) has reached out to Singapore's major media outlets and can affirm that they comprehend and support the government's viewpoint.
The policies on LGBT media content will not change.
MCI issued a statement in response to PM Lee's announcement about the repeal of Section 377A stating that it will not change its rules regarding LGBT media material in Singapore.
In her August 27 Facebook post, Teo restated MCI's stance.
She stated that Prime Minister Lee has "made clear" the government's stance on preventing a radical shift in Singapore's cultural values, including what is shown on free-to-air television and in movie theaters.
Teo continued, "We will maintain the status quo in the media environment and severely oppose pro- or anti-LGBT activism."
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