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SCMP Reporter

Q What do you think of the gay activists' church protest?

I am a practising Catholic. I am also a law-abiding Hong Kong citizen and someone who respects human rights.

I was present at the Sunday Mass. The scene was chaotic and many young children and elderly were frightened. I believe we should all contribute towards law and order in Hong Kong, and the behaviour demonstrated by the gay activists will not gain them the sympathy they deserve or look for.

They should have respected the rights of those present at the Sunday Mass, if they expect their rights to be respected. I also believe that our government should listen to the grievances of this minority group and grant them equal rights, if they behave and contribute as respectable citizens of Hong Kong. The Catholic Church can impose its doctrine on its followers, but not on all.

God gives us life to enjoy all things - freedom of choice being one of them.

Name and address supplied

I see Rainbow Action's peaceful demonstration at the Caine Road Catholic cathedral as part of the freedom of individuals to express themselves. Choosing demonstration instead of lobbying is an acceptable act.

It is not necessary to debate whether same-sex marriage is moral or natural. People must be given their rights to share their life with their loved ones, and it is wrong for gay and lesbian people's rights be taken away simply because their sexual preference is not yet accepted by the majority.

Lewis Chung, Sheung Shui

Q Should same-sex marriages be allowed in Hong Kong?

We live in a society where we are free to choose our lifestyles. To practice a religion can be a part of that lifestyle. So is being gay.

If Catholics have the right to marry, and to marry the way they want to (in a church), why shouldn't homosexuals have the lesser right of just marrying?

In opposing same-sex marriage, the Catholic Church seeks to deny equality to homosexuals on the grounds that the lifestyle they choose is inconsistent with the belief of the Catholic Church.

The Vatican says: 'Homosexuality is a troubling moral and social phenomenon.'

No, targeting a minority group and trying to take away a right from the people who do not share the same beliefs is the real troubling moral and social phenomenon.

Here is a suggestion on how the homosexual community can get the government to allow same-sex marriage and the Catholic Church to drop the issue: write up a holy book, set up a church and make homosexuality a religion. This would make it politically incorrect for any entity to oppose homosexuality.

Alex Lau, Causeway Bay

I'd like to respond to the comments made by Ken Chan and Andy Lau posted in yesterday's Talkback. Both argued vehemently against the legalisation of same-sex marriages. I'd like to point out the deficiencies in their arguments.

Mr Chan asked: 'Have you ever heard of same-sex spouses in the animal world?' He then responded with a firm 'no'. In fact, wildlife experts have long known that homosexuality is common in the animal world.

He then continued by posing a second question: 'If some insist that same-sex marriages should be allowed on the grounds of personal freedom, why don't we allow other issues which infringe upon social morality, such as incest or drug abuse as long as they don't affect others?' Same-sex marriages do not have negative effects on society, whereas drugs and incest do.

Meanwhile, Mr Lau argued that 'same-sex marriage is destructive to our family system' on the grounds that it undermines its procreation function.

However, social trends indicate that increasing numbers of heterosexual couples in developed countries are choosing not to have children. If  marriage is for procreation, then aren't these non-childbearing heterosexual couples also defying 'natural law'?

He said 'homosexuality can be tolerated, but same-sex marriages cannot be allowed'. Does he think that by banning same-sex marriages, homosexuals would start developing heterosexual relations?

I am not homosexual, but I stand for the freedom of choice, as long as this choice does not negatively affect society.

Michelle Tang, Jardine's Lookout

On other matters ...

I refer to your report of August 15 headlined 'Patients' group accuses expert panel on Sars of selective listening'.

I would like to point out that the Sars Expert Committee has met a wide range of people during its last two rounds of meetings in June and July. People met include hospital and public health authorities, board members of the Hospital Authority, local experts, university professors, frontline health-care staff, Amoy Gardens residents' representatives, operators of old-age homes and legislators.

Meetings were planned so that members could meet groups or individuals who have been directly involved in or affected by the Sars epidemic. The purpose is to gauge as much from as wide a viewpoint as possible. I wish to assure that there is no question of 'selective listening'.

Over 80 public submissions were received and all the views have been passed on to the committee for scrutiny.

As regards the meeting with patients groups on August 13, the committee had in fact reviewed the submissions received from some patients groups before the meeting.

We  understand that the time allocated is tight, but please appreciate the fact that the committee is faced with a momentous task against a very tight schedule.

Patrick Nip Tak-kuen, Secretary, Sars Expert Committee



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