I would love to live in a world where films can [create] an illusion of a homosexual utopia, where everyone, including passersby, is homosexual and no ills or problems are reflected".. In fact, I would love to live in a world where these films reflect a basic reality. But not so for Singapore censors.
The city-state has banned Formula 17, a Taiwan film that conveys the message that homosexuality is normal, and a natural progression of society according to the Singapore Film Appeals Committee.
Strict Singapore has loosened some of its stuffy social controls in recent years, partially relaxing a ban on chewing gum in January, allowing some bars to stay open for 24 hours and ending a ban on the U.S. sitcom "Sex and the City" last week.
But many tough rules remain. "Playboy" magazine is still banned, while oral sex remains technically illegal under a law that says "whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animals" can be fined and jailed up to 10 years, or even for life.
The government said in January it plans to review its sex laws, and oral sex would most probably be decriminalised -- but only between men and women.
Christopher
Portland, OR
November 2002
JUL 23, 2004 05:00 AM