Singapore’s Pink Dot event is a celebration of the LGBT+ community that has taken place every year since 2009 at Speakers' Corner—an area within the city's Hong Lim Park where demonstrations are held.
After recent changes in the country’s Public Order Act, however, foreigners have now been banned from this year’s festivities.
Event organisers made the announcement over the weekend that “only Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents are permitted to assemble at the Speakers’ Corner”.
“As organisers, we were reminded by the Singapore Police Force that with these changes, the law no longer 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," the statement reads.
“Pink Dot has been honoured by the strong support from friends from around the world who have unfailingly attended our events over the years, observing as their Singaporean friends make a stand for inclusion, diversity and the Freedom to Love."
Foreigners who regularly attend the LGBT+ event have been warned to stay away by organisers as they could face a nearly $10,000AUD fine, or up to six months imprisonment if caught by police without proper documentation.
The annual Pink Dot Sg event is the closest thing Singapore has to a gay pride parade which promotes an acceptance of the (LGBT) community. Source: EPA
The organisers of Pink Dot added they are "just as upset" as the public is over the new law and will be livestreaming the event on Facebook and updating Instagram and Snapchat regularly for anyone who cannot physically attent.
Facebook users have expressed their disappointment, particularly those who live in Singapore but are not yet permanent residents or citizens.
One person commented on the Pink Dot Facebook page: “So people who work here, pay taxes, contribute to 'nation building' yet do not have PR can not attend?"
They added: “Do we not enter and leave the country as a resident? What message is this sending in terms of diversity? Have worked here for over 15 years and call SG my second home. I pay full taxes and yet this happens. Shocked and dismayed.”
The Pink Dot event will take place on July 1.
