DBS pulls publicity under pressure

Singapore's biggest consumer bank hastily recanted its campaign to contribute a part of its credit card customer's spending to anti-gay Focus on the family (FOTF) after strong pressure from angry gay customers who have been registering their displeasure to the bank through emails and calls.

After Trevvy's report last week, Trevvy members have indicated that they have contacted DBS bank to register their displeasure, backed with information of FOTF's anti-gay activities, with many threatening to close their accounts. Several have also posted on Trevvy forums and Facebook to call for a boycott of the bank.

On Tuesday 2 December DBS released the following statement in its latest response to customers complaining the FOTF campaign:

We would like to reiterate that it was never the intention of the Bank to discriminate against any group through this initiative. Nonetheless, given the feedback received and to demonstrate that DBS believes in diversity and inclusion, we will be removing the Christmas charity campaign with immediate effect.

DBS will continue to play its part to support the community at large and we hope to have your understanding and support.

DBS' statement prior to this defended its decision by insisting that FOTF is a registered charity and the contribution is for a children's learning centre.

However, Trevvy understands that DBS is merely dropping all publicity and is discussing with FOTF regarding the amount the bank will contribute towards the learning centre.

Giving his take on this incident, media analyst Ted Young told Trevvy, "I think DBS did not expect such a strong response from the gay community, especially from many of its own customers who threatened to cancel their credit cards. While we are uncertain of the exact details, it is clear that DBS has realised that the fallout—image and the potential loss of revenue—outweighs its obligation to continue the campaign. However the fact remains that DBS will still be giving money to an anti-gay group."

The original campaign would have DBS contributing up to S$15,000 towards FOTF when credit cardholders spend a minimum of $300 on weekends at selected malls from 14 November to 21 December.
by Team Trevvy, Scoops feature, 2 Dec 2008

Heard of this before? Well, I guess this is all parts and parcel of contribution from the government of being so passive towards deciding on how to react to homo-issues now. Part of me tells me that the society is looking up to the government in telling them how to decide, and another part of me tells me that the society doesn't really cares. But what is really the case? In the transition of law building and policy making, such issues are way way accumulating as well. Who is there to deny?

But on my personal point of view, we are merely defending our right and not to take on the "rip" of what we don't deserve. I am sure this statement is a non-deserving statement for all homo ear's:

“FOTF is a local offshoot of the US organization of the same name, known for its strong anti-gay stance and programmes. FOTF regards homosexuality as a sinful moral choice and psychological problem. ”

Where is the kind of tolerance adults keep speaking about? And understanding too? Sigh.. People...