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15 May 2017

Foreigners Banned from Singapore Pink Dot

Recent changes to Public Order Act rules on general assembly mean only Singapore permanent residents can attend annual LGBT rally.

Non-Singapore permanent residents will not be allowed to attend Singapore’s Pink Dot 2017 due to changes in the city-state’s Public Order Act that forbid foreigners taking part in demonstrations at the venue.

"It is with profound regret for us, the organisers of Pink Dot 2017, to announce that as per recent changes to the Public Order Act rules on general assembly, only Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents are permitted to assemble at the Speakers’ Corner,” organizers wrote in an online statement.

The organisers were reminded by the Singapore Police Force that the current law does not distinguishes between participants and observers, and regards anyone who turns up to the Speakers’ Corner in support of an event to be part of an assembly.

Those flouting the new regulation face a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both.

 

Singapore

Reader's Comments

1. 2017-05-15 17:47  
It is more important now than ever. I hope each and every gay Singaporean and PR goes to support this event. It is for their own good and well being. If religion expect tolerance from others, than they must also be tolerant of others!. Must show that discrimination based on ones sexuality in not what a Tolerant and "Inclusive" society is about!
Comment edited on 2017-05-15 17:49:58
2. 2017-05-15 17:52  
I find that to be bizarre on the behalf of the Singaporean Government. Do they really hate gays assembling that much? Are the police afraid their will be to many queers to control at such an event and this is the easiest way to reduce crowed. The world is watching and forming its opinions Singapore.
3. 2017-05-15 19:04  
There are actually staunch religious homophobe in government in Singapore. Its was exactly one of them that knocks back the repeal of 377A a few years back when both section 377 and 377A were up for review. Section 377, Sex against the order of nature for heterosexuals was repealed, but one staunchly Christian MP argued for the retention of section 377A (which specifically target gay men but not gay women), but no other MPs got any balls to stop her or counter argue against her.
Comment edited on 2017-05-15 19:12:25
4. 2017-05-15 19:52  
I used to tell people that Singapore is the most modern city/country in the world. I won't be saying that anymore.
5. 2017-05-15 20:18  
Taiwan pride is a great allternative to Singapore's pride. Most Gay tourist would enjoy Gay Pride in Taiwan. There they have an enormous event with like 80,000 people. Participants both local and international in a celebration of color music and dance. It's definitely worth checking out.
6. 2017-05-15 20:40  
To elaborate on Fitnfriendly's contribution, Thio Li-ann is a Singaporean law professor at NUS (National University of Singapore). In Jan 2007, she was appointed a Nominated Member of Parliament and she spoke vociferously in the parliament against abolishing the penal code that criminalises gay sex. Her mother Thio Su Mien was the former NUS Law Dean of NUS. Su Mien, together with some other Christian women, attempted to usurp the leadership of AWARE (Assocation of Women for Action & Research) in Singapore, accusing the association of having a pro-LGBT agenda. Both the mother and daughter attend the same church.
7. 2017-05-16 00:57  
Are they crazy!
8. 2017-05-16 02:17  
This is not good for Singapore or tourists visiting Singapore. Singapore is a great place to visit and I'm looking forward to my stopover in November. I was hoping to attend such an event in future years.
The current law does not distinguish between participants and observers and therefore begs the question, will tourists be arrested if they wander into the area. Will the police cordon off the area and demand to see a Singaporean passport or residents card to gain entry to Speakers' Corner. There are many gay people living in Singapore and many gays visiting the country every year. What message does this send to the outside World.
9. 2017-05-16 03:42  
@5: why create competition between two prides???
10. 2017-05-16 05:05  
Oh noes!!!!! There is only one venue in Singapore!!!!!

It's hardly difficult to stage two events. Respect the law. Campaign to change it. The changes last longer if not forever.

11. 2017-05-16 11:57  
how narrow minded are you?
12. 2017-05-16 15:45  
Not very at all, as my comments clearly show.
13. 2017-05-17 01:31  
Work towards getting the laws changed but meanwhile, turn the tables on the homophobic religious nut jobs out there; go to their venues and wear pink. Pink should flood the sea of people and engulf the intolerance that exists.
14. 2017-05-20 09:03  
Next time vote her out!!
15. 2017-05-21 13:23  
Perhaps she's a "closet case" who hates other lesbians.
16. 2017-06-11 18:42  
Long ago, one of Lee Kuan Yew`s Motto for S`pore was : "Turn adversity to advantage".
Well, the "Pink Dot" picnic in Hong Lim Park is bursting at its seams. As a Foreigner who has planned to visit S`pore specially for this event, I will continue to support our Gay brothers & sisters. There are many other ways to do that. I will wear PINK & circumnavigate the pavements of the streets surrounding Hong Lim from 3 to 5 pm.
Thereafter, that I shall join my friends & relatives ( who will also be wearing PINK) at the Park Royal Hotel for drinks & dinner. After dinner, I will take a stroll on Orchard Rd. Boulevard . Wanna join me turn S`pore PINK ? # TURN SG PINK on July 1
17. 2017-06-11 18:46  
To Everyone,
Please spread this # Turn SG Pink on July 1
18. 2017-06-12 19:58  
To all Banned Foreigners, Yes, I will be there on the pavements surrounding Hong Lim Park. Hope to join all other Banned Foreigners from 3 to 5 pm. strolling on the side-walks. I shall pop into the >Park Royal Hotel " Lime Rest." after 5 pm. Hope to see many dressed in Pink there ! We will not break any laws but we can still follow the activities in the park on Social Media.This ' Foreigners ban' will only add more "oxygen' to a world-wide movement to liberate Gays from oppression
. #turnSGpinkonjuly1

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