Commenting on the removal and pulping of three lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender-inclusive books by the National Library Board, SMU Associate Professor of English Literature Kirpal Singh said that this "is a very unfortunate step backwards. While we try to balance the conservatives and liberal minded, do we remove anything or everything that gives offense, especially if this offense is quite problematic, quite complex?” He added that the furor may at least have the positive side effect of prompting debate. “This may contribute to a more vital discussion for Singapore in terms of where we are and where we are not when it comes to values, freedoms and an open state for discourse,” he said.