In Singapore, the government has decided not to appeal Section 377A of the Penal Code. Abolishing the law would "send the wrong signal" and push gay activists to ask for more concessions, such as same-sex marriage.But homosexuals are still given space to live their own lives as long as they do not actively advocate their lifestyle.
Indeed, if homosexuals actively advocated their lifestyle(e.g. gay parades) this would, especially in the eyes of parents promote homosexuality which many would find offensive and morally wrong. While times have changed and there are activists who try to urge the law to be repealed, Singapore is still a rather a conservative society and gays are not allowed to set the tone. The tone of the society remains straight.
In western countries, homosexuality is generally more accepted. Most western countries have laws that protect homosexuals from violence or discrimination. But in many other countries, they are not safe from discrimination. Homosexuals are often frowned upon by society and religions consider homosexuality a taboo. Homosexuals are shunned by the public and in some cases, a homosexual person can be fired from a job because he is a gay, even if he is a good worker. Homosexuals can also be denied renting a house or eating at restraunts because of their sexual orientation. And, not forgetting ocassions where the law prohibits gay-marriages , denying homosexuals from getting into intimate relations with each other. This is definitely a curse to being a homosexual especially if they live in countries with strict laws on homosexuals.
On the positive side, homosexuals can contribute to the economy, especially in the pink dollar industry. Companies that tap into such markets can benefit , especially when one considers the amount of money homosexuals can inject into the economy. There are currently companies that embark on marketing strategies targeted at homosexuals, even trying to raise the number of homosexual customers, due to their economic importance. For homosexuals, this is one good point for them and the country's economy too can benefit.
But for the vast majority of the time, homosexuals have to live in a society where they are discriminated and shunned by the public, being labeled as "untouchables".
Therefore, in my opinion, homosexuality is definitely more of a curse than a blessing.
