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Flak from gay groups sees IKEA relook tie-up with pastor

SINGAPORE — IKEA Singapore, which came under the spotlight over the weekend after it touted a magic show by a pastor who has publicly opposed homosexuality, said it is in talks with the show organisers on their commercial arrangement.

Local magician Lawrence Khong

Local magician Lawrence Khong

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SINGAPORE — IKEA Singapore, which came under the spotlight over the weekend after it touted a magic show by a pastor who has publicly opposed homosexuality, said it is in talks with the show organisers on their commercial arrangement.

The Swedish furniture company posted promotional ads on its website that members of its IKEA Family programme are entitled to discounted ticket prices for Faith Community Baptist Church’s (FCBC) Lawrence Khong’s “Vision” magic show in July.

After some netizens took to its Facebook page over the weekend to criticise its decision to support the event, IKEA Singapore said today (April 20) it recognises that the “promotional collaboration” has “raised sensitivities” among members of the public.

“We have been in contact with the show’s organisers (today) and hope to find a resolution that is agreeable to both parties,” an IKEA Singapore spokesperson told TODAY. At press time, the ad promoting the event was still up on the IKEA Family official website.

When contacted today, an ­FCBC spokesperson said the church will probably issue a statement tomorrow.

Earlier in the day, the furniture retailer was reported to be reviewing its support for the magic show.

Mr Khong has been publicly voicing his views opposing homosexuality, ever since he appealed to the Government in 2013 to retain a law that criminalises sex between men.

IKEA Singapore’s collaboration with Mr Khong’s show had drawn some consumers to threaten a boycott of the brand on its Facebook page, as well as some who supported its move.

One Facebook user going by the name of Sandara Tang wrote: “I am disappointed in you, Ikea, for supporting such a hateful and bigoted cause.”

Another, going by Michael Lee, wrote: “Thank you Ikea for celebrating true diversity by embracing the traditional marriage. Supporting traditional family is good for business and makes business sense. Do what is right for yourself. Make a stand for the family.”

Commenting on the brouhaha, gay rights advocacy groups said some of the response showed that more Singaporeans were aware of lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender (LGBT) issues.

Ms Jean Chong, who co-founded women gay rights group Sayoni, said strangers started sending her emails last Friday, expressing their unhappiness with IKEA Singapore’s move. “The fact that members of the public came forward, shows that people are pretty disgusted (by IKEA Singapore’s support) ... The idea that average people are concerned shows that perhaps Singaporeans are not so homophobic after all.

“More are getting involved in voicing out what they want Singapore to be — more tolerant, more embracing, and more inclusive,” she added.

Mr Bryan Choong from advocacy group Oogachaga, which provides LGBT counselling services, said that IKEA Singapore’s announcement that it would review its support of the event, showed that it was sensitive to the sentiments of its clients.

He added that it was important for the retailer to ensure that its actions is consistent with its own code of conduct — in which it declares its support for fundamental human rights, and that the company is non-discriminatory in its hiring and treatment of workers.

“Corporations which state their firm stand on fundamental human rights, should also ensure consistency in their internal and external activities,” he said.

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