A wave of controversy has been seen in Singapore ahead of an upcoming rights movement in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights.

The police issued an advisory on Thursday for the annual Pink Dot gathering, which is set to take place at the Speakers' Corner in Hong Lim Park in downtown Singapore.

It said that event organizers are responsible for ensuring that the activities do not contravene the regulations governing the use of Speakers' Corner or the law and reminded those attending the event to "keep the peace."

"Police has issued a reminder that the Speakers' Corner is a designated outdoor area for Singapore citizens to use for any assembly or public speech without the need for a police permit, so long as the topics do not relate to race or religion," it said.

The Pink Dot rally has been organized each year since 2009. Participants, many in pink, gathered to form a giant pink dot.

Organizers of the event said that they welcome the advisory from the police.

Local daily Today quoted a spokesperson as saying that they would make arrangements for security personnel to be deployed for the first time.

"If (those who oppose the event) do come down, we will welcome them with open arms. We're aware that they might come down and have a crisis management plan in place," said Paerin Choa, spokesperson for the event.

"We've also engaged security personnel, but more because of potential crowd issues," he said.

The event has recently drawn protests from religious groups. Earlier this month, Islamic religious teacher Noor Deros started a Wear White campaign calling on Muslims to wear white this Saturday to protest against homosexuality.

Since then, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore and the Catholic Church have put forward their views on the issue.

Lawrence Khong, a senior pastor who has been outspoken on the issue, voiced his support for the Wear White campaign.

In another development, the National Council of Churches of Singapore issued a statement on Wednesday, urging members of the Christian community to "always act with grace and restraint," while "reiterating the Christian view that homosexual or bi-sexual practices are contrary to the teaching of the Bible."

"The council also wishes to state that while it does not condone homosexual or bi-sexual practices, it also does not condemn those who are struggling with their gender identity and sexual orientation," the statement said.

Singapore is a multicultural and multi-religion society. Under the law in the city state, male same-sex sexual activity is illegal, though the law is seldom enforced. Endi

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