Fridae

"In the Pink," a picnic listed on Indignation's calendar of events, has been cancelled after "organisers" were informed by the National Parks Board that its use of the Botanic Gardens for the picnic to be held on Aug 9 - Singapore's national day - has been disallowed.

The National Parks Board (NPB), which manages the Botanic Gardens, sent well known gay activist Alex Au a letter notifying him of the board's decision although he was not the organiser. The NPB said in the letter that the picnic is deemed to be an "organised gathering" held by an "interest group to politicise (its) cause" can not be held on the grounds of the gardens.

Miak, the organiser of the event, clarified that he did not apply for a permit as he did not expect a permit to be needed for a picnic.

Last week, Au's photographic exhibition featuring same-sex couples kissing was disallowed by the censors. A lecture focusing on the law and sexual orientation to be delivered Prof Douglas Sanders, professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia and Thailand's prestigious Chulalongkorn University, was not given the go ahead. The organiser has however announced that the event will still go ahead as planned without Prof Sanders's attendance.

The Botanic Gardens web site states that organised activites which involve groups of 30 or more requires written approval.

The decision to not allow any "organised gatherings" has also affected a 5km morning walk and run planned for Aug 11. Runners celebrating the eighth anniversary of the Adventurers Like Us (Adlus), a LGBTS sports group, will now run around the gardens instead of through it like they usually do.

The organiser said in a statement: "The (National Parks) Board is clearly misinformed about the intention of 'In the Pink'; it was meant as no more than a social event for friends from the community. But their misapprehension is not surprising, since anti-gay elements are constantly painting every gay activity as dangerous and subversive."

Explaining why the picnic is being cancelled, Miak said: "Never intending to make the picnic a politicised event in the first place, the organiser does not really want to do so now, even in the face of such provocation by the authorities. Thus, it is deemed wiser to cancel the event and issue this statement instead."

Although the event has been officially cancelled, members of the LGBT community and their families are encouraged to have a picnic at the gardens all the same. The organiser ended his statement saying, "It would be a sad day if the Botanic Gardens were to say that gay people can't stroll or picnic on their grounds simply because they are gay. Or is that what they are saying?"

Other updates about Indignation events:

Tue, 7 Aug: Sexual orientation in international law: the case of Asia Update from organiser at press time: Despite the police refusing a permit for Prof Douglas Sanders to speak - he has since chosen not to visit
Singapore - the event will still go on. The topic may be altered slightly, but will still focus on the law and sexual orientation.

Wed, 8 Aug: Troy Perry, My Life Story
Safehaven is proud to present Rev. Troy Perry, the founder of the Metropolitan Community Church, which now boasts 250 congregations around 23 countries, with a combined congregation of tens of thousands. Troy will be speaking on the Gay Christian witness in the modern world, and what it means to start a new church that is affirming, accepting and supportive of GLBT individuals and the role that MCC plays in modern America.

Update from organiser at press time: Safehaven was contacted one week before the event by the police and immigration saying that the event needed a PELU license and a professional visit pass. Applications have since been submitted, pending approval. If approval is denied, a by-invitation event will still be held, with Rev. Troy Perry in attendance. It will start with a short worship session, followed by a reading of his book "Troy Perry, Pastor and Prophet". He will be available after the session for individual questions. For details on RSVP, please visit Safehaven's website for more information.

Film screenings: all screenings have been cancelled "due to MDA (Media Development Authority) problems."

For the latest info, please visit the Indignation web site.