Children’s stories trumping inclusivity are to be scrapped
by a traditionalist book board in Singapore.
The National Library Board (NLB) has not only
banned but will destroy copies of three children’s books featuring portrayals
of ‘unconventional’ families following complaints from a handful of members of
the general public.
The move seems to mimic Russian President Vladimir Putin’s
ban on the distribution of ‘gay propaganda’ in Russia earlier this year. Both
rulings effectively curtail freedom of expression and freedom of press, as pro-LGBT
writers are less likely produce said materials if it is illegal to distribute
them. The bans also limit each country’s citizens’ freedom of choice when it
comes to reading material.
The banned books in question are And Tango Makes Three, a story (based on real events) about two
male penguins raising a penguin chick; Who’s
In My Family: All About Our Families, a book which describes and depicts ‘unconventional’
family set-ups; The White Swan Express: A
Story About Adoption, a tale concerning a lesbian couple’s attempt to adopt.
Singapore’s Communications and Information Minister Yaacob
Ibrahim showed his support for NLB’s decision in a statement on Facebook. ‘‘NLB’s
approach is to reflect existing social norms, and not to challenge or seek to
change them’’, he said.
In the UK gay and lesbian families are, increasingly, considered
to be part of the social norm, but in Singapore it is a different story. The
Southeast Asian country has strict and specific laws on homosexuality. Lesbian women are allowed to engage in sexual activity, serve in the military and gain access to IVF services. Meanwhile, it is
illegal for gay men to have sexual relations, serve in the forces or hire a
surrogate: the penalty for any of these ‘crimes’ is up to two years in prison.
Same-sex marriage is illegal for both women and men.
In spite of these laws, there is a thriving, underground LGBT community in the country. Gay citizens make use of the anonymity the internet
affords, and use portals such as ‘Blowing Wind Gay Forums’ to discuss the
challenges they face. Pengali Pride Centre is a centre for sexual minorities in
Singapore which holds a variety of events and has an extensive
library of gay literature.
The dissemination of the aforementioned children’s books in
public libraries was a step in the right direction for the LGBT movement in
Singapore - a step that might have helped the community come into the light. Sadly, the NLB has chosen to privilege ‘tradition’ over progression,
and helped to hurtle Singapore even further
back into the dark ages.
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