NParks started taking applications for events at The Speakers’ Corner from 23 March.
Here’s why they decided to reopen it, and who is planning to apply.
Closed Since Circuit Breaker, Reopen In Line with Relaxation of Restrictions
The Speakers’ Corner in Hong Lim Park is the only place in Singapore where protests can be legally held. Protestors have to apply through the National Parks Board.
It has been closed since April 2020, when Singapore imposed the circuit breaker. Now, almost two years later, it has been reopened for events.
NParks’ group director for parks, Sophianne Araib, told The Straits Times that they’ve decided to reopen the Corner together with the relaxations of COVID-19 restrictions announced on 24 March.
Maximum Capacity of 950 People
NParks started taking applications for events on 23 March, and has since received six applications.
According to the application form on NParks’ website, applicants would need to ensure that the amount of people at their event does not exceed 950.
Other than the 950-people cap, all applicants will also be required to adhere to safe management measures.
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Pink Dot to Return To Hong Lim Park in June
The organisers of Pink Dot, the annual pro-lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) event, told The Straits Times that they plan to host their event physically this year.
In the pre-pandemic era, Pink Dot was one of the biggest events in Hong Lim Park, with over 20,000 participants. They’ve been conducting their event virtually for the past two years.
Pink Dot fully intends to return to Hong Lim Park in June, which is Pride month, and will confirm the date and more details later.
A spokesman from Pink Dot noted that the reopening of the Speaker’s Corner is very significant for them and the wider LGBTQ+ community, since it’s Singapore’s only physical space for protests.
Pink Dot will be especially significant this year, as it follows the Court of Appeal’s rejection of repealing Section 377A. For the uninitiated, Section 377A of the Penal Code criminalises sex between men.
“We hope the public will join us in making a stand for a fairer and more equal Singapore.”
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