SINGAPORE RELIGIOUS HARMONY LAW RECEIVING UPDATE
Introduction
Freedom to believe what one wants to in terms of their faith is a concept that is widely present around the world. Certain countries even have regulations that promote and protect this freedom, and it is generally understood to be the case in most situations.
However, religious freedom and harmony is a two-sided story which must be understood and even occasionally enforced. Being free to follow one's beliefs, it should also remain understood that others may differ. However, this also means they should not receive attacks due to their personal differences. Singapore is a nation which promotes this exacts ideology.
The Singapore Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act (MRHA) which came into effect in 1992, has recently been the topic of conversation and is set to be soon updated. 1992 was 27 years ago, though it still seems shocking to think that, and so many changes have arisen in the world as a whole. As such many feel a change is needed.
What Potential Amendments are being discussed?
One of the crucial topics that have given rise to this talk of change is that of the introduction and rapid spread of the internet. With the internet came social media, which allows for the fast spread of information, and also the voicing of opinions on a grand scale.
As such, the law which has been in action for 27 years, is certainly not up to date. Mixing religion with politics, especially in a multicultural nation with considerable international presence, could cause many issues in Singapore. As such, with the interest of vital stakeholders in mind, a change will arise though the timing is currently unknown.
An exact timeline of when the changes could arrive is not yet known. The MRHA regulation in its decades of presence has never actually seen significant use. Thus to ensure the law is appropriate to the state and its issues, more time will pass before the changes are introduced.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
