The Society For Truth And Light
Encyclopedia
The Society For Truth And Light (STL) is a pressure group with an official mission of "address[ing] social ethics, media behaviour, and sex culture in Hong Kong
" from Christian Right
point of view "to care the society and service people through research, monitoring, education and publishing."
However it is being widely criticised due to it conservative stances on moral
issues. During a heated public debate between the group and its opponents, the group is being mocked as "moral terrorists" and "moral Taliban" who attempt to "talibanize
" the community.
. The group positions itself as "conservative" and defines itself as the vanguard of upholding traditional values against the "trends of radical libertarianism, feminism and extreme individualism" in modern society. The society has opined on social problems concerning sex in recent years. For instance, it was quoted out of context in one newspaper that one of its founders believes that it is immoral for women to wear bikinis; and it was Choi Chi-Sum believed masturbation
was immoral regardless of marital status as admitted in an interview. Gay rights groups and promoters of sex workers'
rights associate that the group with Christian Right
ists in United States
.
(TELA) of the Government of Hong Kong SAR through normal project bidding.
In a media reporting by the Next Magazine
in June 2007, the reporter claimed that the founder and chief executive of the group, Choi Chi-Sum, admitted that the TELA has channeled public funding to the group in order to generate complaints about "irresponsible media" through an orchestrated mass mailing campaign.
, a Hong Kong movie, has been repeatedly broadcast at full length on local television. In 2007, when it was again broadcast on TVB Jade Channel, a Christian lodged a complaint to the Broadcasting Authority about the "vulgar language" in the movie. He argued that the movie was broadcast at a time when parents will not be home to provide parental guidance. The BA accepted his view and classified the film as "obscenic" based on this complaint. In response, opposing groups launched a counter campaign generating 177 responses. TVB eventually removed the scene containing vulgar language. The decision of the BA provoked an outcry from the liberal groups, who called it 'stupid', 'complete absence of common sense', 'attacking the freedom of expression'. Even though the complaint was not launched by the Society, it has been singled out for attacks.
The Legislative Council later held a meeting to discuss the decision of the Broadcasting Authority. The Society For Truth And Light, along with other Christian groups, defended the decision of the BA in the session. Under heavy lobbying effort by gay rights, sex workers' rights and liberal Christian groups, the Council passed a motion on 'strongly urging Broadcasting Authority to withdraw its position'. though the Broadcasting Authority has remained intransigent.
, the show presented a report on the difficulties faced by gay couples as well as the issue of same-sex marriage
in Hong Kong. The Broadcasting Authority ruled in favor of the complaint.
In response to the decision, 160 counter-complaints have been filed by people who regard the judgment as unfair. The Legislative Council, in the same motion for An Autumn's Tale case, urged the Broadcasting Authority to withdraw its decision. .
because it claims that the inborn immutability and discrimination claimed by the gay and pro-gay activists are "invalid". Other than the society's belief in the biblical norms which it explicitly denies, it claims there is support from related "scientific and social research". On course of consultation on legislation against discrimination on sexuality by Hong Kong Government, the group paid for frontpage advertisements on newspapers explaining their stance. The advertisements were signed by medical professionals who positioned themselves to be experts in the study of sexually transmitted diseases, they implied that there is a link between homosexuality
and paedophilia. The Society For Truth And Light has paid for advertisement space in the front and second pages of various newspaper for 23 consecutive days, amounting to an estimated cost of about $1 million Hong Kong dollars(approximately US$ 128,000). The proposed bill is then frozen by the government in respond "public sentiment".
The group constantly maintains itself as a victim of so-called "reverse discrimination
" in the gay rights issue. The concept of "reverse discrimination", in the group's context, means their right to discriminate against minority groups are being eroded (and hence "being discriminated").
education in schools. It was awarded by the Education Bureau (then Education and Manpower Bureau
) of the Hong Kong SAR Government. This promoted massive controversy and opposition, and, after a number of complaints were received, the contract was not renewed.
on the law related to age of consent
on gay sex (which was being set to 21 at the time), on the ground that the provisions in Section 118, Crimes Ordinance is discriminatory and against both the Basic Law of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.
However, the government has decided to appeal against the ruling on the grounds of "public health". Eventually the appeal was turned down by the Court of Appeal
and the government was ordered to pay the cost.
Gay activist groups again accused the Society as a behind-the-scene player again without evidences.
to a local triad bearing a similar name but in Roman numeric characters. As stated by the police, the printing carried by these T-shirts were contravening the Section 151, Societies Ordinance.
However, sales of the T-shirts went unnoticed since its debut in September 2007 and did not catch public attention until an interview involving The Society of Truth and Light on 31 October 2007, who accused G.O.D. of glorifying triads and imposing a "negative" impact on children. The raid by the Hong Kong Police happened on the next date, right after the accusation by The Society of Truth and Light was published on Apple Daily
.
Eighteen persons, including the designer, owners and other retail staff on duty, were arrested and later bailed. This caused an outcry from the "liberals" describing it as a white terror
which "brutally crushed the freedom of expression" as being granted by the Basic Law of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
" from Christian Right
Christian right
Christian right is a term used predominantly in the United States to describe "right-wing" Christian political groups that are characterized by their strong support of socially conservative policies...
point of view "to care the society and service people through research, monitoring, education and publishing."
However it is being widely criticised due to it conservative stances on moral
Morality
Morality is the differentiation among intentions, decisions, and actions between those that are good and bad . A moral code is a system of morality and a moral is any one practice or teaching within a moral code...
issues. During a heated public debate between the group and its opponents, the group is being mocked as "moral terrorists" and "moral Taliban" who attempt to "talibanize
Talibanization
Talibanization is a term coined following the rise of the Taliban movement in Afghanistan referring to the process where other religious groups or movements come to follow or imitate the strict practices of the Taliban....
" the community.
History
The Society For Truth and Light was established in May 1997, led by Choi Chi-sumChoi Chi-sum
Choi Chi-sum 蔡志森 is an outspoken far right evangelicalist in Hong Kong.Choi was baptized in 1978 and graduated from Hong Kong Baptist University in 1982....
. The group positions itself as "conservative" and defines itself as the vanguard of upholding traditional values against the "trends of radical libertarianism, feminism and extreme individualism" in modern society. The society has opined on social problems concerning sex in recent years. For instance, it was quoted out of context in one newspaper that one of its founders believes that it is immoral for women to wear bikinis; and it was Choi Chi-Sum believed masturbation
Masturbation
Masturbation refers to sexual stimulation of a person's own genitals, usually to the point of orgasm. The stimulation can be performed manually, by use of objects or tools, or by some combination of these methods. Masturbation is a common form of autoeroticism...
was immoral regardless of marital status as admitted in an interview. Gay rights groups and promoters of sex workers'
Sex worker
A sex worker is a person who works in the sex industry. The term is usually used in reference to those in the sex industry that actually provide such sexual services, as opposed to management and staff of such industries...
rights associate that the group with Christian Right
Christian right
Christian right is a term used predominantly in the United States to describe "right-wing" Christian political groups that are characterized by their strong support of socially conservative policies...
ists in United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
Relationship with the authorities
While itself registered as a charity and raised fund through charity channels, the group received funding from government departments such as the Television and Entertainment Licensing AuthorityTelevision and Entertainment Licensing Authority
Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority or TELA is the entertainment regulatory agency in Hong Kong under the HKSAR government.- Mission :...
(TELA) of the Government of Hong Kong SAR through normal project bidding.
In a media reporting by the Next Magazine
Next Magazine
Next Magazine is a Chinese weekly magazine, published in Hong Kong and Taiwan with different versions. Owned by Jimmy Lai , both magazines are the number one news magazines in both markets in terms of audited circulation and AC Nielsen reports...
in June 2007, the reporter claimed that the founder and chief executive of the group, Choi Chi-Sum, admitted that the TELA has channeled public funding to the group in order to generate complaints about "irresponsible media" through an orchestrated mass mailing campaign.
Controversies
The Society For Truth And Light is criticized for utilising its relationship with the censorship authorities, such as the Broadcasting Authority (BA) and the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority, to pursue the organisation's goal and mission.An Autumn's Tale
An Autumn's TaleAn Autumn's Tale
An Autumn's Tale is a 1987 Hong Kong-made romantic drama set in New York City starring Chow Yun-fat, Cherie Chung, and Danny Chan. This is Mabel Cheung second movie as a director after her "migration trilogy."...
, a Hong Kong movie, has been repeatedly broadcast at full length on local television. In 2007, when it was again broadcast on TVB Jade Channel, a Christian lodged a complaint to the Broadcasting Authority about the "vulgar language" in the movie. He argued that the movie was broadcast at a time when parents will not be home to provide parental guidance. The BA accepted his view and classified the film as "obscenic" based on this complaint. In response, opposing groups launched a counter campaign generating 177 responses. TVB eventually removed the scene containing vulgar language. The decision of the BA provoked an outcry from the liberal groups, who called it 'stupid', 'complete absence of common sense', 'attacking the freedom of expression'. Even though the complaint was not launched by the Society, it has been singled out for attacks.
The Legislative Council later held a meeting to discuss the decision of the Broadcasting Authority. The Society For Truth And Light, along with other Christian groups, defended the decision of the BA in the session. Under heavy lobbying effort by gay rights, sex workers' rights and liberal Christian groups, the Council passed a motion on 'strongly urging Broadcasting Authority to withdraw its position'. though the Broadcasting Authority has remained intransigent.
RTHK TV documentary: Gay Lover
In the same complaint as the Autumn's Tale incident, another group of Christians expressed disagreement with what they considered a biased viewpoint in a television documentary titled Gay Lover and demanded that the complicated issue should be discussed from different viewpoints. Produced by Radio Television Hong KongRadio Television Hong Kong
Radio Television Hong Kong is a public broadcasting organisation in Hong Kong that is operated as an independent department in the government under the Broadcasting Authority. RTHK operates seven radio channels, and produces television programmes that are then broadcast through local television...
, the show presented a report on the difficulties faced by gay couples as well as the issue of same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage is marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender. Supporters of legal recognition for same-sex marriage typically refer to such recognition as marriage equality....
in Hong Kong. The Broadcasting Authority ruled in favor of the complaint.
In response to the decision, 160 counter-complaints have been filed by people who regard the judgment as unfair. The Legislative Council, in the same motion for An Autumn's Tale case, urged the Broadcasting Authority to withdraw its decision. .
Gay rights
The Society For Truth And Light strongly opposes gay rights and same-sex marriageSame-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage is marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender. Supporters of legal recognition for same-sex marriage typically refer to such recognition as marriage equality....
because it claims that the inborn immutability and discrimination claimed by the gay and pro-gay activists are "invalid". Other than the society's belief in the biblical norms which it explicitly denies, it claims there is support from related "scientific and social research". On course of consultation on legislation against discrimination on sexuality by Hong Kong Government, the group paid for frontpage advertisements on newspapers explaining their stance. The advertisements were signed by medical professionals who positioned themselves to be experts in the study of sexually transmitted diseases, they implied that there is a link between homosexuality
Homosexuality
Homosexuality is romantic or sexual attraction or behavior between members of the same sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, homosexuality refers to "an enduring pattern of or disposition to experience sexual, affectional, or romantic attractions" primarily or exclusively to people of the same...
and paedophilia. The Society For Truth And Light has paid for advertisement space in the front and second pages of various newspaper for 23 consecutive days, amounting to an estimated cost of about $1 million Hong Kong dollars(approximately US$ 128,000). The proposed bill is then frozen by the government in respond "public sentiment".
The group constantly maintains itself as a victim of so-called "reverse discrimination
Reverse discrimination
Reverse discrimination is a controversial term referring to discrimination against members of a dominant or majority group, including the city or state, or in favor of members of a minority or historically disadvantaged group such as African Americans being slaves. Groups may be defined in terms of...
" in the gay rights issue. The concept of "reverse discrimination", in the group's context, means their right to discriminate against minority groups are being eroded (and hence "being discriminated").
'Human rights' education
In October 2005 the society won a contract to produce teaching materials for human rightsHuman rights
Human rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
education in schools. It was awarded by the Education Bureau (then Education and Manpower Bureau
Education and Manpower Bureau
The Education Bureau is responsible for education policies in Hong Kong.The bureau is headed by the Secretary for Education and oversees the Secretariat, University Grants Committee and Student Financial Assistance Agencies...
) of the Hong Kong SAR Government. This promoted massive controversy and opposition, and, after a number of complaints were received, the contract was not renewed.
8/24 court case on age of consent
In August 2005 the government lost the case Leung T C William Roy v. Secrertary For Justice, where the applicant had requested a judicial review by the High CourtHigh Court (Hong Kong)
The High Court in Hong Kong consists of the Court of Appeal and the Court of First Instance. It deals with criminal and civil cases which have risen beyond the lower courts. It was named the Supreme Court before 1997.- High Court Building :...
on the law related to age of consent
Age of consent
While the phrase age of consent typically does not appear in legal statutes, when used in relation to sexual activity, the age of consent is the minimum age at which a person is considered to be legally competent to consent to sexual acts. The European Union calls it the legal age for sexual...
on gay sex (which was being set to 21 at the time), on the ground that the provisions in Section 118, Crimes Ordinance is discriminatory and against both the Basic Law of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.
However, the government has decided to appeal against the ruling on the grounds of "public health". Eventually the appeal was turned down by the Court of Appeal
Court of Appeal (Hong Kong)
The Court of Appeal deals with appeals on all civil and criminal cases from the Court of First Instance and the District Courts of Hong Kong. It is one of two courts that makes up the High Court of Hong Kong....
and the government was ordered to pay the cost.
Gay activist groups again accused the Society as a behind-the-scene player again without evidences.
G.O.D. Incidence
G.O.D, a designer furniture chain retailer in the territory, was raided by Hong Kong Police on 1 November 2007 for suspicion of selling triad-related T-shirts. However, sales of the T-shirts went unnoticed since its debut in September 2007. The T-shirts bear the Traditional Chinese character "fourteen" (Chinese:拾肆, Roman numeric: 14) and the English alphabet "K" (together, literally 14 000), which was a parodyParody
A parody , in current usage, is an imitative work created to mock, comment on, or trivialise an original work, its subject, author, style, or some other target, by means of humorous, satiric or ironic imitation...
to a local triad bearing a similar name but in Roman numeric characters. As stated by the police, the printing carried by these T-shirts were contravening the Section 151, Societies Ordinance.
However, sales of the T-shirts went unnoticed since its debut in September 2007 and did not catch public attention until an interview involving The Society of Truth and Light on 31 October 2007, who accused G.O.D. of glorifying triads and imposing a "negative" impact on children. The raid by the Hong Kong Police happened on the next date, right after the accusation by The Society of Truth and Light was published on Apple Daily
Apple Daily
Apple Daily is a Hong-Kong-based tabloid-style newspaper founded in 1995 by Jimmy Lai Chee Ying and is published by its company, Next Media. A sister publication carrying the same name is published in Taiwan, Republic of China under a joint venture between Next Media and other Taiwanese companies...
.
Eighteen persons, including the designer, owners and other retail staff on duty, were arrested and later bailed. This caused an outcry from the "liberals" describing it as a white terror
White Terror
White Terror is the violence carried out by reactionary groups as part of a counter-revolution. In particular, during the 20th century, in several countries the term White Terror was applied to acts of violence against real or suspected socialists and communists.-Historical origin: the French...
which "brutally crushed the freedom of expression" as being granted by the Basic Law of Hong Kong.
See also
- TalibanizationTalibanizationTalibanization is a term coined following the rise of the Taliban movement in Afghanistan referring to the process where other religious groups or movements come to follow or imitate the strict practices of the Taliban....
- Family valuesFamily valuesFamily values are political and social beliefs that hold the nuclear family to be the essential ethical and moral unit of society. Familialism is the ideology that promotes the family and its values as an institution....
- FundamentalismFundamentalismFundamentalism is strict adherence to specific theological doctrines usually understood as a reaction against Modernist theology. The term "fundamentalism" was originally coined by its supporters to describe a specific package of theological beliefs that developed into a movement within the...
- Intelligent design movementIntelligent design movementThe intelligent design movement is a neo-creationist religious campaign for broad social, academic and political change to promote and support the idea of "intelligent design," which asserts that "certain features of the universe and of living things are...
- Religious rightChristian rightChristian right is a term used predominantly in the United States to describe "right-wing" Christian political groups that are characterized by their strong support of socially conservative policies...
- Christian and Missionary AllianceChristian and Missionary AllianceThe Christian and Missionary Alliance is an evangelical Protestant denomination within Christianity.Founded by Rev. Albert Benjamin Simpson in 1887, the Christian & Missionary Alliance did not start off as a denomination, but rather began as two distinct parachurch organizations: The Christian...