Singapore's Parliament passed a Bill to protect workers against discrimination, but it excludes protections based on gender identity and sexual orientation. While the Bill covers five 'protected characteristics', MPs questioned the exclusion, citing the government's statements on LGBTQ+ rights and the experiences of discrimination faced by some individuals. The Manpower Minister assured that discrimination against LGBT individuals will still be handled by TAFEP, but LGBTQ+ advocates argue that this is insufficient and leave the community vulnerable.
Members of Parliament He Ting Ru and Louis Ng questioned why discrimination against gender identity and sexual orientation are excluded from the Bill.Parliament on Wednesday passed a Bill to protect workers against discrimination following a debate that spanned two days.
But over the course of two days, several MPs, who supported the Bill, questioned why discrimination against workers on the grounds of gender identity and sexual orientation was excluded. Workers' Party MP He Ting Ru said that the exclusion "seems at odds" with ministerial statements made during the repeal of Section 377A of the Penal Code that "gay people deserve dignity, respect, acceptance" and "do not deserve to be stigmatised because of their sexual orientation".
Cases of workplace discrimination against LGBT individuals will continue to be handled under the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices , he added.
SINGAPORE EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION LGBT RIGHTS
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