Posted on 07/20/2007 3:22:06 AM PDT by monomaniac
SINGAPORE, July 19, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Unable to find a "gay bar" or display nudity in an upcoming performance of Shakespeare's "King Lear", British actor Ian McKellen has now called upon Singapore's government to overturn laws against homosexuality.
McKellen, 68, is known to millions around the world for his roles as "Gandalf" the wizard in the "Lord of the Rings" and for his role as the evil villain and mastermind "Magneto" in the "X-Men" Trilogy and has used his star-power to promote homosexual issues.
"Coming to Singapore where unfortunately you've still got those dreadful laws that we British left behind... it's about time Singapore grew up, I think, and realized that gay people are here to stay," McKellen said in an interview with Class 95 radio station, a member of the state-run MediaCorp.
Singapore's Penal Code Section 377A prohibits homosexual acts and solicitations as "gross indecency with another male person" with prison time of nearly two years. The law dates back to the city-state's colonial 19th century administration by the British Empire and is supported by the Singapore's largely conservative population.
McKellen is performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company touring productions of William Shakespeare's "King Lear" and Anton Chekhov's "The Seagull." The Company's world tour starts Thursday in Singapore at the Esplanade, South-East Asia's most modern performing arts centre. McKellen agreed to forbear on his planned nude scene where Lear is sent into exile, in order that minors under 18 in the tiny city-state could attend the performances.
"Call it censorship, call it advice, it gets in the way a little bit. I think it's a little bit silly," McKellen was quoted as saying at a tour briefing.
"As a gay man invited here with the full cognizance of the government, how can they not notice that my right to have sex are inhibited by the country?" McKellen complained in an interview with Reuters. McKellen told the press agency that he only cared to discuss acting and homosexuality saying, "I am just public on those two issues."
Agreed...but that isn’t what he’s protesting here, according to the story.
I remember they have the death penalty for that.
I believe Jackson was fired by the movie studio over money issues and some other guy is working on the project.
Only because he could upset Professor X upset by doing so, seeing as Juggernaut is his brother and all.
And it's not any of your business what laws the sovereign city/state of Singapore enacts. Some countries may want to actually go by Gods laws to prosper. In that case thieves, murderers, drug dealers and sexual deviants should steer clear or face the punishment.
That's precisely my feeling. It's America's loose morals they see displayed in the news and in our movies.
Yep, if you chew gum on the street regardless of being a visitor; you will be arrested.
Yeah, guess you’re right- and that explains his taking a teenaged boy under his wing... and his habits of hanging out with groups of children-like, hairy, and feminine men a la LoTR.
(I can’t believe I’m ragging on LoTR and Xmen!)
Oh I can,it merely fits past prescedent. =)
Actually, it is our business in free nations whenever there are laws that restrict freedoms unfairly. We in the west have been given the gift of freedom, and we have a solemn duty to try to bring free societies to the rest of the world. And I’d much rather live in a society that contains freedom for all religions than in an oppressive theocracy, even if it was based on my religion. A free and just society does not cater to any one religion, but writes laws separate from religion.
If we can appreciate Mr McKellen’s acting skills we can surely ignore him when he is advocating his own political ideas. This self important ass should stick to acting period.
That made as much sense as Juggernaut losing his powers to Leech... (who only strips MUTANT abilities....) :-B
Then I would suggest you stay out of countries that do not agree with your views. There are plenty of places I would never travel to because of this. I do not see Singapore mandating any certain religion but they do enforce a stringent moral code. If that is to ensure their survival, then good for them.
Ian, there must be at least one piano bar that does show tunes. Improvise.
By the way, the Singapore Sling is a drink, not a sexual aid. Sorry to disappoint you.
Cud laws?
ping
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