Singapore

The ruling People’s Action Party has run a de facto one-party state since first elected to power in 1959. The government limits rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association using overly broad legal provisions on security, public order, morality, and racial and religious harmony. It punishes critics by using defamation laws and the archaic offense of “scandalizing the judiciary,” requires a police permit for any cause-related gathering, and limits public speaking or rallies to a single designated area. However, Singaporean citizens have increasingly asserted their rights through social media, online blogs, and websites. Corporal punishment by caning is a mandatory additional punishment for a range of crimes. LGBT people still face systematic legal discrimination.