Pink Dot YouTube video is 'deceptive' attempt to force acceptance of same-sex relationships, says pastor

Erika Pilones Wednesday, May 04, 2016

Pauline (left) and Joan (right) in the video released by Pink Dot Sg. | YouTube/Pink Dot Sg

A promotional video released by Singapore-based nonprofit movement called the Pink Dot Sg, which stands up for the members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, earned the ire of Yang Tuck Yoong, senior pastor of Singapore's Community Church.

In a blog post featured on the Cornerstone Community Church community website, the pastor wrote that the video was a deception used by Pink Dot to advocate acceptance while sugar-coating the real message of the Bible against homosexuality. "It's not only theologically-unsound; it's deceptive for untaught people watching it," the pastor pointed out.

Titled "Pink Dot 2016: Our Heroes â€“ Joan & Pauline," the promotional video in question features lesbian pastor Pauline Ong of the Free Community Church and friend Joan. Ong started out as a young Christian attending mission trips. However, she was not spared from her struggle with spirituality and sexuality. But back when she was 19, "God reached out to her in a special way," and that moment changed her life.

Pink Dot Sg has been holding an annual event that gathers thousands of people to support the LGBT community. Only 2,500 people joined its first event back in 2009. After six years, the number of supporters grew to more than 11 times. Because of the crowd, it drew a lot of sponsors.

The movement has received a lot of criticisms and negative reactions. Among its detractors are Christian fundamentalists and Muslims. Last year, a movement was formed to counter the initiatives of Pink Dot. Led by Rev. Lawrence Khong, senior pastor of Faith Community Baptist Church, the group started the "Wear White" campaign.

Also last year, Pink Dot expressed disappointment in Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's remarks at the 7^{th ASEAN Journalists Visit Programme organized by Communications and Information Ministry. At the said gathering, the prime minister responded to a question on same-sex marriage by stating that Singapore is not ready for such. In the statement posted on its Facebook page, Pink Dot invited the prime minister to attend their 2015 event to meet members of the LGBT community.}

This year, Pink Dot will hold its annual gathering on June 4.