ST Online Forum: Writer quotes HIV survey results, but what's the source? (Aug 10)

Friday, August 10, 2007

Aug 10, 2007

Writer quotes HIV survey results, but what's the source?

IN HIS letter on HIV in Singapore (ST, Aug 8), Dr Alan Chin Yew Liang included figures quoted from a survey done in the United States showing that 28 per cent of homosexuals there have had more than 1,000 partners.

To me, that figure is disproportionately high.

If Dr Liang is going to use such surveys to back his argument that being gay is dangerous, then he needs to quote his sources and I would question who the group was that undertook the survey and what their political agenda is.

Also, if Dr Liang is genuinely concerned about lowering Singapore's HIV figures, he would suggest more sex education across all ethnic groups and sexual orientations.

It is extremely dangerous to impressionable young minds to suggest that gays are more likely to contract HIV when the truth is we are all just as likely if we do not practise safe sex.

If Singapore wishes to expand its population and attract educated foreigners in order to compete with cities like London and New York, then Singaporeans have to stop being afraid of homosexuality for the simple reason that there is nothing to be afraid of.

Meredyth Tamsyn (Ms)

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