Tuesday, August 08, 2006

I would still like to party , but ...

This is how I would like to celebrate National Day

http://www.yawningbread.org/arch_2006/yax-631.htm :

The Mardi Gras girls were there just to pose with patrons for their complimentary photographs, this being the launch party for IndigNation 2006, Singapore's lesbian and gay Pride season. They were not performing on stage. But whether or not they were performing, why is it actionable to wear a bikini in Singapore? What shred of legal basis is there for the police to interfere, and how justifiable is it when measured against basic civil rights?

Interestingly, the officers either ignored or didn’t notice the Tequila girls who were just as skimpily dressed. Tequila girls are a fixture of many pubs, dressed in short coaties that barely cover their bosoms and tight, tight shorts. They too show a lot of midriff and thigh.

What's the difference between the "scantily dressed" take-down-your-particulars Mardi Gras girls and the no-big-deal Tequila girls?


and

The owner of Tantric Bar was asked to attend a police interview in the days leading up to his event, Paradise 2006, scheduled for 5 August 2006. Beyond the aforementioned questions of who was behind the event, the intention of the police was evidently to read the riot act to the bar owner. Know and abide by the maximum crowd limit stipulated in your licence. Absolutely no kissing, though hugging can be allowed. "Make sure there is no immorality", they said, which of course is a bit strange considering that the government did license these bars to serve alcohol. Had they not heard that imbibing intoxicating liquids is immoral?

And here's the funny one: Nobody may take off his shirt. Isn't it so Singaporean? Do not unbutton your straitjacket.

But seriously, since there can't be legislation that outlaws this in Singapore, does this mean the police, by insisting on such a rule, are exceeding their powers?

The owner of Tantric Bar had the presence of mind to ask the police: what about Zouk-out and other beach parties? People take off their tops there -- why one rule for them and another for my bar? The police had no answer.