In a news release on Monday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that it had consulted closely with religious leaders in coming up with the Bill.
SINGAPORE — A Bill introduced in Parliament on Monday seeks to give the Singapore government greater capacity to respond to threats against the nation’s religious harmony.
“The amendments will strengthen the government’s ability to safeguard and respond more effectively to threats to our religious harmony,” said the ministry. For religious organisations that are companies, the leadership requirements will be imposed on those holding positions “analogous to President, Secretary, and Treasurer, such as the Chairman, Managing Director, and Company Secretary,” said MHA. These requirements do not apply to “spiritual leaders” who do not hold any formal positions in their group’s organising body.
Noting that swifter action is needed to tackle religiously offensive statements posted on the Internet and social media, the ministry has also suggested that the restraining orders it issues be allowed to take immediate effect. Currently, the government has to serve a 14-day notice before an RO takes effect.
Voluntary programme, consolidating offencesFor those who have offended other religious groups, MHA has suggested that they be required to “perform activities” under the CRI. The programme is aimed at helping offenders better understand the affected community and “mend ties with them”. In the instance of the latter two acts, those who are deemed to be religious leaders will be held to higher standard of accountability because of their influence, said MHA.
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