Adam Lambert to Perform in Singapore Amid Controversy

Adam Lambert was recently added to the lineup for a live New Year's Eve performance in Singapore. Although his brand of theatrics seems perfect for this kind of celebration, many “concerned citizens” were not happy about it.

A group recently started a petition to prevent the singer from performing in the country, calling on MediaCorp and the Singapore government to remove him from the show. The petition has apparently been altered to remove homophobic slurs and now states:

“This petition was meant to appeal to the better judgment of the organizers to reconsider their choice of foreign performers in Countdown 2016, on the basis of inclusion of the young and the often cited silent majority in Singapore who continue to uphold values that appear contrary to the liberal west.”

After receiving over 20,000 signatures, that petition has closed. Although Lambert was not removed from the lineup, he made the decision to perform for another celebration in Singapore, calling a ceasefire with the protestors.

LGBT rights continue to be a struggle for Singaporeans, with sex between men still considered illegal. However, there appears to be a vast number of progressive-minded citizens. Some even started a counter petition, which stated:

“The groups ‘Singaporeans United for Family’ and Singapore ‘Focus on the Family’ have been promoting discrimination against LGBT people in Singapore by promoting the ‘against’ petition. These groups also promote divisive discrimination by repeating homophobic claims commonly found in similar United States hate groups. We think it's time these groups truly respect all people living in Singapore and confirm they will help stop LGBT discrimination by working towards accepting and loving our LGBT family members and their natural and normal sexual orientation. Discrimination has no place in Singapore and these groups need to work towards a together Singapore not a divisive Singapore.”

After exceeding its goal with over 24,000 signatures, this petition was closed.

Of course, Lambert has been a hit so far in Asia, even performing in an over-the-top Game of Thrones setup in Beijing during Alibaba's annual Singles Day shopping extravaganza.

Here's a little preview of the "gay propaganda" Lambert will bring from the "liberal West":