Singapore’s Pink Dot Pride event attracts thousands despite government restrictions

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The Pink Dot parade has taken place in Singapore despite restrictions from the Government and attracted thousands of attendees.

The parade took place on Saturday in Singapore at Speaker’s Corner.

Thousands attended and the parade attracted capacity-filling numbers despite attempts by the authorities to curtail the event.

Singapore’s Pink Dot Pride event attracts thousands despite government restrictions

Earlier this year it was announced that foreigners wouldn’t be allowed into the event.

People were forced to show IDs in order to gain entry to the event and only permanent residents of Singapore were permitted.

The Pride rally also gained record sponsorship despite tough government restrictions aimed at preventing foreigners from attending.

The organisers of the Pink Dot Rally raised the equivalent of $183,000 US Dollars from more than 100 companies for the rally.

Facebook, Apple, Google and Visa are just a selection of 18 corporate companies that partnered up with Pink Dot last year to act as sponsors and celebrate its 8th annual event.

The zone is a free speech area in Hong Lim Park in Singapore. Events can be held in the space without the need for a license.

In a statement, the Singapore Government stated that foreign entities should not interfere in domestic, political or controversial social issues with any political overtones because “these are political, social or moral choices for Singaporeans to decide for ourselves. LGBT issues are one such example.”

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“This is why under the rules governing the use of the Speakers’ Corner, for events like Pink Dot, foreigners are not allowed to organise or speak at the events, or participate in demonstrations.”

LGBT people lack many of the rights that heterosexual individuals have in Singapore. The country does not recognise same-sex marriage and sex between males is also illegal but generally this law is not enforced. Recently, the country did lift its ban on people with HIV visiting the country.

Posting on Facebook, organisers shared photos of volunteers and staff and of the thousands in attendance.

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Organisers wrote: “Dear attendees queuing to get in, We really do appreciate your support and patience! We will be going live with our Pink Dot Concert very soon!”

The parade includes a concert and ends with its traditional light show in the evening where pink lights are shone up to the sky.

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