Singapore's parliament has introduced the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill, aimed at consolidating and strengthening the government's powers to address threats to racial harmony. The Bill, inspired by existing legislation like the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act, empowers the Minister for Home Affairs to issue restraining orders against individuals spreading content that prejudices racial harmony. Offenders could face imprisonment, fines, or participation in a community remedial program.
MHA said that the new Bill takes "close reference from existing legislation" such as the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act and Penal Code.Restraining orders and a community remedial programme are among measures that the government is proposing to consolidate and strengthen their powers to deal with threats to racial harmony .
The Ministry of Home Affairs said in a press release that the new Bill takes "close reference from existing legislation" such as the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act and Penal Code. Noting that "offensive content can go viral very quickly" and may cause "widespread and irreparable harm to social cohesion", MHA said that the government must have the levers - such as the proposed RO - to deal with them "swiftly and pre-emptively".Those who violate a RO could be jailed for up to two years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
Responding to media queries, MHA said that they will provide more details on the content of the remedial programme at the second reading of the Bill.
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