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Foreign entities need permit to sponsor Speakers’ Corner events: MHA

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Yahoo Singapore file photo

*UPDATE (7.10pm, 21 October 2016): Story has been updated to reflect Pink Dot’s response to the MHA's amendments to rules for funding and supporting Speaker's Corner events.*

From next month, foreign entities will need to apply for a permit before they can fund or support events like Pink Dot at the Speakers’ Corner.

In a press statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) noted that the Speakers’ Corner came into being as a space for Singaporeans to express their views on issues that concern them.

“The Government’s position has always been that foreign entities should not interfere in our domestic issues, especially those of a political or controversial nature,” said an MHA spokesman.

The Ministry is therefore introducing amendments to the Public Order (Unrestricted Area) Order 2016, which will come into effect on 1 November. This will require foreign entities to obtain a permit if they wish to organise, assist or participate in an event at the Speakers’ Corner.

For example, sponsoring, publicly promoting an event or organising its members or employees to participate in the event will not be allowed without the approval of the authorities. These conditions will include speaking through remote means, such as via tele-conferencing or pre-recorded messages.

Currently, foreigners are required to obtain a permit – subject to assessment – to organise or participate in an event at the Speakers’ Corner.

In June this year, MHA said that foreign entities should not interfere in domestic issues, especially political issues or controversial social issues with political overtones.

The MHA statement in June came days after the eighth annual Pink Dot SG rally, which saw a record number of foreign entities registered as sponsors for the event. The 18 sponsors included tech giants like Google and Facebook, and financial heayweights Goldman Sachs and J. P. Morgan.

Currently, Singapore citizens are exempt from requiring a permit to speak or organise demonstrations at the Speakers’ Corner, subject to conditions under the Public Order (Unrestricted Area) Order 2016.

The existing exemptions will now be extended to Singapore entities, such as local companies and non-governmental organisations, which are incorporated or registered in Singapore and controlled by a majority of Singapore citizens.

Pink Dot ‘disappointed’

Responding queries from Yahoo Singapore on the new sponsorship rules, Pink Dot spokesperson Paerin Choa said, “We respect and understand the Ministry of Home Affairs’ position, however, we are disappointed by the latest clarifications from the ministry.

“Pink Dot has always been a local movement dedicated to bringing LGBT Singaporeans closer to their friends and families and closer to Singapore society as a whole – a universal aspiration that we do not consider to be controversial or political.”

He added, “As our society continues to evolve, we hope that this will be the start of an ongoing dialogue and we look forward to continue engaging with the various government agencies to better foster understanding between the government and the LGBT community in the long term.

“In light of the new rules, we call on more Singaporeans and local companies, who share in our desire and vision for a more diverse and inclusive Singapore, to step forward to support us in Pink Dot 2017.”