Speak Softly And Carry Bricks

“Their remedy lies, if at all, in the legislative sphere,”  judges Andrew Phang, Belinda Ang and Woo Bih Li said in a written verdict to dismiss a constitutional challenge against an archaic law criminalizing sex between men. Section 377A was first introduced in 1938 by British colonial administrators, and carries a maximum penalty of two years in jail for homosexual acts between men, but not women. The government's official position is that Section 377A is not actively enforced, i.e. it stays on the books for "wayang" only. The disturbing message is not about what goes on under the bedsheets, but the subjugation of the law to the members in parliament.

Senior Counsel Alvin Yeo will be so happy, so long as he is still in parliament, no law can touch him. The Law Society's literary contribution about distinguishing between over billing and over charging was a waste of chargeable time.  From what we surmise from the erudite judiciary, parliament alone decides what is legal. Yang Yin need not lose sleep over deportation, if he still has the letter of recommendation from a parliamentarian.

Tim Cook, CEO of the world’s most valuable company, pointed out in his coming out article in Bloomberg that when Arizona’s legislature passed a discriminatory bill targeting the gay community, they spoke up, and eventually torpedoed that anti-gay bill.

"When I arrive in my office each morning, I’m greeted by framed photos of Dr. King and Robert F. Kennedy. I don’t pretend that writing this puts me in their league. All it does is allow me to look at those pictures and know that I’m doing my part, however small, to help others. We pave the sunlit path toward justice together, brick by brick. This is my brick."

Those who mounted the constitutional challenge against the "crippling" piece of legislation should take heart from Tim Cook's words. As should those fighting for our constitutional right of freedom of expression. Just speak softly and add your own bricks.