Legalization of Gay marriages in Argentina (The Straits times Friday, 16 July, 2010)

On 15 July 2010, Argentina became the first country in Latin America to legalise same-sex marriage. Argentina is a majority Roman Catholic country and although some had reservations, the law was still passed. Ruling party leader Miguel Pichetto felt that it was a historical day for Argentina. Apart from that, opposition Radical Senator Gerardo Morales stressed that the Bill’s objective was to guarantee the rights of minorities and that Argentine society is no longer the same as before.

The law makes small adjustments to the legal code by referring to “the marrying parties” instead of husband and wife. Rights in terms of adoptions, social security and family time, which previously belonged only to heterosexuals, will also be enjoyed by same-sex couples now.

Although the gay marriage proposal was firmly supported by the President, it was strongly opposed by the Roman catholic Church and evangelical groups. They organised a march by 60,000 people on the eve of the vote.

Senator Juan Perez Alsina usually is a supporter of the President, however, regarding the gay marriage proposal, he gave a passionate speech against gay marriage saying that, “Marriage between a man and a woman has existed for centuries, and is essential for the perpetuation of the species”.

I find this article appealing to me because the idea of gay marriage is unreal to me. Even though I do have gay friends, I find it inconceivable that they can be united for life through marriage. However after reading this article and knowing that so many other countries also permit gay marriages, I begin to realize that many modern societies’ perception, values and beliefs have broadened and grown in acceptance. It also shows the versatility in human thinking. Personally, it draws my attention and desire to know more about homosexuality and how it comes about.

The issue of gay marriages is far more diverse and complex for a mere layman like me to decide. From a personal point of view, I would also allow for gay marriages as I believe in equality and the freedom of love and thought. Fundamentally, different people have different values.

Yoshida Yukie

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I bet that Gambling addiction is on the rise here.

Dr Thomas Lee: With the opening of Marina Bay Sands (MBS) casino and heightened public awareness, there may be more people who are aware they have a gambling problem and will then come forward to seek treatment.

As stated in the news article on 15 July 2010 TODAY newspaper, the number of gambling addiction cases in Singapore has more than tripled according to the latest statistics released by the National Addictions Management Service (Nams) on 14 Jul 2010. Their clinic, which is part of the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), has seen the number of gambling addicts jump from 5 per cent in 2007 to 17 percent last year.

After reading this article, there were a few things going through my mind.

Firstly, since the opening of the Integrated Resort (IR) and MBS, there have been good and bad news about it. Since the opening of the IR, there have been numerous articles about people cheating in the casinos and being taken in by the police. Articles like under aged gambling, cheating in the casinos, stealing and many more. There is also the legal conference dispute and problems prior the opening of the MBS.

On the other hand, the MBS and the IR have held many huge and important events like the Mediacorp Star Awards, big conferences as well as the hosting of the current K-pop groups coming to Singapore like Super Junior, 2AM, SHINee, Ft. Island and Wonder Girls.

Secondly, after reading Dr Lee's comment on the article, I guess it is good good to say that many people are now getting aware of their gambling habits and would like to turn over a new leaf. On the contrary, I believe that this may only be 30% of the gamblers. another 50% of them know they have an addiction for gambling and are not willing to change and the last 20% may know even recognize that they have a gambling habit. Changes can still be made to the IR to overcome these problems.

Lastly, I understand that the MBS and the IR is built for the tourists that come to Singapore. Still I prefer that the prices would not be as expensive so that Singaporeans can also enjoy these important places of Singapore.

Overall, I think that the MBS andthe IR has brought more joy and benefits than downfalls to then country.

~^,^~ Fiona Pang

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