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.
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Reader's Comments
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.
It's hardly difficult to stage two events. Respect the law. Campaign to change it. The changes last longer if not forever.
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
Please spread this # Turn SG Pink on July 1
. #turnSGpinkonjuly1
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