Two years ago, during the debate on whether to decriminalise sex between men, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had clearly stated that the conventional family, a heterosexual stable family is the norm and building block of Singapore society.

But the government also recognises that homosexuals are part of the society. Mr Lee had said then: "Homosexuals work in all sectors, all over the economy, in the public sector as well and in the civil service. They are free to lead their lives, free to pursue their social activities."