“The recent news has been both good and bad for us,” explains Peter Goh of Christian group Safehaven. “It is wonderful that the government has decided to support gay youths through a
SGD 100,000 grant from the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Council (NVPC). This signals an awareness of the tough situation that some of our youths are facing and is a good first step. But at the same time, the vehicle chosen to deliver this support, Liberty League, is deeply worrying.”

Liberty League is closely connected with the Christian ‘ex-gay’ movement that denies conflicted youth acceptance of their sexual orientation and instead promotes that ‘healing’ and ‘overcoming’ of the orientation are possible – a view that is mostly rejected by the psychological and medical communities.

“Many of our members come from ex-gay ministries like ‘Choices’”, explains Peter. “They found that they are not only unable to change, but the constant pressure to do so drove them into depression and questioning of their faith. At Safehaven we believe that God loves all people, regardless of their sexual orientation. We would hope that the NVPC would find a better channel for its grant.”

Safehaven is a Christian ministry reaching out to gay and lesbian Christians. It is part of the wider Free Community Church (FCC), an inclusive church which affirms that all individuals are persons of sacred worth and created in God's image, and as such welcomes all people regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation and economic status.

Contacts:
Peter Goh (90482734)
Safehaven
Susan Tang (96247192)
Free Community Church