Fridae

A prominent methodist pastor and LGBT in Singapore Reverend Dr Yap Kim Hao, died of heart failure aged 88 last week.

His death was met with gratitude from Singapore’s LGBT rally Pink Dot who noted his challenging of Section 377A of the Penal Code, which bans homosexual sex and participation in Pink Dot events.

In 2012 he was awarded the Red Ribbon Award by advocacy group Action for Aids for his work with people living with HIV.

In 2003 he wrote in response to a letter urging the government to rethink the hiring of gay people: " I applaud the stance of the Prime Minister in announcing that the Government is more open to employing gays now.

"The lack of understanding of the condition of homosexuality and the harsh homophobic views expressed in the letter are regrettable. From my meetings with members of the gay and lesbian community, I have come to see them as normal human beings even though their sexual orientation is different from mine."

In 2007, at a forum on Section 377A, he said: "Contrary to the majority of the Christian views... I personally would call for it to be repealed on the basis that this is God's purpose - the existence of the homosexual community."