Gay groups and pro-family groups may not see eye-to-eye on sexuality, but many in both camps agree with Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng's call for tolerance and accommodation on the subject.
The AWARE saga brought many divisive issues to the forefront, and sociologists doubt these will be resolved despite their airing.
Associate Professor Paulin Straughan, a sociologist, said: "In a conflict, where values are involved, there is never a win-win situation. If you push on one side, the other side would have to retreat. So then you force the polarity, I don't think that is very healthy.
"When you have these kinds of heated exchanges, especially when it goes into cyberspace under the cover of anonymity, strong words are heard, and there is always the danger that you push somebody who is normally apathetic to take a stand. And at the end of the day, it does polarise."
This is one reason why analysts said the government decided to give a response.
DPM Wong said that while Singapore is a conservative society, gays are entitled to their private lives. He stressed the importance for different groups to live and let live - a view welcomed by many, including gays in Singapore.
(CA)
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