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The petition against Lambert, addressed to concert organizer
Mediacorp and the government, has gathered around 14,000
signatures to back its case that a performance by the openly gay
singer did not align with Singaporean values.
However, two rival petitions backing Lambert had gathered more
than 11,000 votes by Friday arguing that allowing the
performance would show that Singapore shunned discrimination and
promoted diversity. (http://bit.ly/1YxauEe) (http:/bit.ly/1MHicq7)
The concert organizer said it was sticking with Lambert, a
runner-up on American idol who caused controversy during his
2009 American Music Awards performance when he kissed his male
keyboard player and stimulated sexual acts with dancers.
Sex between men is illegal in Singapore.
"We urge the organizers of Countdown 2016 to recognize and
respect the values of the majority of Singapore that has voiced
its desire to preserve our nation’s moral fiber," reads the
protest petition, which was posted anonymously by a group saying
it represented concerned parents. (http://bit.ly/1lNoM5N)
The petitioners argue that having Lambert at the concert would
bring a sour note to the end of the conservative city-state's
50th birthday celebrations.
State TV company Mediacorp maintained Lambert would perform, and
said the televised concert would be suitable for family
audiences and conform with broadcast regulations.
(Reporting by Fathin Ungku; Editing by Rodney Joyce)
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