Ikea Singapore has found itself at the centre of a social media protest over supporting a drama run by a local religious extremist.
Ikea is giving members of its loyalty program discounted rates for a show called Vision, which features a homophobic religious zealot renowned for his anti-gay views.
But Ikea says it stands by its decision to sponsor the show, a move which is outraging Singapore’s gay community who have taken to social media to express their disgust.
In a statement to the Straits Times newspaper Ikea management said they had undertaken “a thorough review” of the decision to support the show and would stick with its original decision. “We have spoken directly with the organisers, reviewed the content and confirmed that the Vision show offers high family entertainment value and, on that basis, we are continuing our promotional collaboration.”
Vision is a magic show performed by pastor Lawrence Khong of Faith Community Baptist Church along with his daughter Priscilla. It will be held at the Esplanade in July.
Last year Khong organised an anti-gay protest, urging Singaporeans to “wear white” in protest against the holding of the Pink Dot LGBT picnic.
Khong is a self-appointed pastor of the church he founded and claims to have a congregation of 9000. He is on record saying he makes movies and performs shows in order to spread his evangelical Christian beliefs and to “reclaim the media for God’s Kingdom”.
Khong considers homosexuals have “a shorter lifespan, more sexually transmitted infections and more health problems than the general population” and he actively fought against the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Singapore, describing it as “a looming threat to this basic (nation) building block by homosexual activists”.
- Lawrence Khong’s Facebook profile image.
Ikea appears unconcerned about supporting Khong’s ministry. In its statement the retailer said it respects the diversity and equality of all people in the community
“We also respect that all individuals have a right to their opinions and personal choices, including the freedom to choose their preferred entertainment,” it said.
Ikea Singapore’s Facebook page is full of comments about the issue, with an overwhelming percentage in support of the company’s stand. However closer analysis reveals a distinct similarity amongst the supportive posts, the church undoubtedly having rallied its congregation to show support online.
“Thank you Ikea for making the right move and supporting family!” was one of many similar supportive comments.
However contrary views were typified by Zulkarnain Sadali: “So disappointing. Do you even see it’s not about entertainment? Out of all the companies in Singapore, this move was never expected of you. I wonder what Sweden HQ thinks of this.”
Robert Vrolijk observed: “The very vocal Christian minority has again used their organised high volume attack to pressure their opinion. Everyone knows Vision is not just family entertainment. There is no such thing as family entertainment when led by a pastor. And Ikea by supporting this event you support his views. People have a right to choose but you don’t have to promote hate speech hidden as freedom of speech.”
Perhaps the most ironic post was from Steven Cheong who wrote, apparently unaware of the irony: “Ikea – it is good that you didn’t bow to militant activists!”
