Singapore blocks foreign support for LGBT events
Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has said foreign companies are to stop funding, supporting or influencing events held at Speaker’s Corner.
LGBT events such as Pink Dot, which support freedom of love within the community, are under threat with this move to block sponsorship.
Facebook, Apple, Google and Visa are just a selection of 18 corporate companies that partnered up with Pink Dot this year to act as sponsors and celebrate their 8th annual event at Speaker’s Corner.
Last years Pink Dot rally drew record numbers.
The zone is a free speech area in Hong Lim Park in Singapore. Events can be held in the space without the need for a license.
In a statement, the Singapore Government stated that foreign entities should not interfere in domestic, political or controversial social issues with any political overtones because “these are political, social or moral choices for Singaporeans to decide for ourselves. LGBT issues are one such example.”
“This is why under the rules governing the use of the Speakers’ Corner, for events like Pink Dot, foreigners are not allowed to organise or speak at the events, or participate in demonstrations.”
The statement did not explain what action will be enforced to stop foreign companies becoming involved with future events held in the area.
Pink Dot Organisers said all corporate sponsors are registered in Singapore. “We are fortunate to count among them admired household names, employers of choice for a sizeable portion of our workforce, inextricably linked with and fully a part of this beautiful fabric we call home.”
LGBT people lack many of the rights that heterosexual individuals have in Singapore. The country does not recognise same-sex marriage and sex between males is also illegal but generally this law is not enforced. Recently, the country did lift its ban on people with HIV visiting the country.
