BARELY three weeks after controversy erupted over DBS' support of the family-charity group, Focus on the Family Singapore (FOTF), the name of the group is again appearing in DBS advertisements for a credit-
card promotion.
References to FOTF have been pulled from the bank's promotions after a boycott of DBS by gay activists, who claimed that the charity was "anti-gay" and "anti-abortion".
A DBS spokesman was reported to have said then that DBS "believes in diversity and inclusion" and had "removed all references to FOTF in our advertising", though the bank would still be "supporting the cause for children and learning" by contributing to a children's learning centre to be built by FOTF.
After the boycott, ads mentioned DBS' contribution to the learning centre without mentioning the charity.
But ad references to FOTF have returned since last week.When contacted by my paper about this change, DBS insisted that its stand remained unchanged. Said a DBS spokesman: "Our ads simply clarify that the centre is built by FOTF."
Focus on the Family Singapore runs family programmes. While its values are Christian-based, it is not explicitly religious in nature, unlike its controversial parent organisation in America.
Said Ms Joanna Koh-Hoe, FOTF president: "We're not anti-gay. Like most Singaporeans, we just don't promote homosexuality. While we extend help to homosexuals who want help, we respect the choices of those who don't.
"We're glad DBS has made a stand on family values and realised that it shouldn't be pressurised by a
minority that doesn't represent the majority of its cardholders."
DBS' decision to remove references to FOTF from its ads had, itself, sparked controversy.
The bank had received letters from Singaporeans supporting DBS' choice of charity. In addition, a new Facebook group, "Defend Focus on the Family", was set up online.
Mr Ng Yi Sheng, creator of a Facebook group advocating a boycott of DBS for its support of FOTF, was remarkably low-key when commenting on the charity's re-appearing in DBS ads.
"It's more honest of DBS. It was misleading when it took the name off the advertisements," he said.
"At least we've been able to make an impression and companies will think carefully before choosing charities."
