Many in the community have expressed outrage over DBS bank's decision to contribute a sum of their credit cardholders' spending to support a children and learning project by anti-gay group, Focus on the Family (FOTF).

In an advertisment by DBS on The Straits Times, the bank indicated that it will contribute up to S$15,000 towards FOTF when credit cardholders spend a minimum of $300 on weekends at selected malls from 14 November to 21 December.

FOTF is a local offshoot of the US organization of the same name, known for its strong anti-gay stance and programmes. FOTF regards homosexuality as a sinful moral choice and psychological problem. FOTF in Singapore promoted the activities of Liberty League, which describes queer sexuality with terms like "sexual brokenness" and "addiction and abuse".

One of the first persons to highlight this to DBS was local playwright Ovidia Yu. In her correspondence with DBS, Ovidia pointed out that "FOTF is a religious organization that attacks homosexuality from their own interpretation of Christianity." She also provided DBS with FOTF's website, evidently showing "all 9 of their current events listed (from 24 Nov to 29 Nov) deal with homosexuality–eg 'Preventing Homosexuality' and 'Homosexuality, Myths & Truths'."

In response, DBS claimed that "FOTF is a non religious and non political organisation. It is a voluntary welfare organisation supported and endorsed by the National Family Council and the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports in Singapore."

When approached by Trevvy, a DBS spokesperson assured Team Trevvy that the bank is not anti-gay and released the following statement:

"In line with DBS' corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts that are geared towards supporting children and learning, several welfare organisations that support similar causes were shortlisted. Focus on the Family (FOTF) is a voluntary welfare organisation (VWO) endorsed by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports. Further, the funds DBS contributes will be directed specifically towards building a new learning centre, scheduled to open next March, for children with various learning disabilities. As this ties in with the Bank's CSR efforts to empower children through learning, we decided to pick FOTF as our beneficiary for credit card spend this Christmas. It is not the intention of the Bank to discriminate against any group through the choice of FOTF as our beneficiary."

Many were unconvinced by the bank's response.

Media analyst Ted Young said, "It is unclear if DBS is aware of FOTF's promotion and involvement of anti-gay activity, and may only be reacting now that it is has been brought to their attention. And I would imagine they wouldn't be able to back out even if they wanted to. Having said that, they should have done a more thorough check. For gay credit card users of DBS would be unwittingly contributing to this anti-gay organization had this not been made known to them."

One of the gay activists who led the repeal377a petition George Hwang told Trevvy, "This explanation given by DBS is unacceptable. By choosing Focus on the Family, DBS has acted irresponsibly. Focus on the Family is founded by James Dobson, an evangelical pastor considered by many to harbour anti-gay views. If DBS' purpose is to contribute towards programmes for children in Singapore, there is the "Children's Charity Association", APSN, MINDS etc. International banks and MNCs with "Diversity and Inclusion" departments will agree with me. I am going to close my account with DBS. I urge everyone to do the same until DBS learns to act like a responsible corporate citizen, worthy of its name."

DBS is Singapore's largest consumer bank and the fourth in Hong Kong, its credit card customers number over 2 million across the region.