Is It Illegal to Sing in Singapore?
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Singapore is a beautiful and vibrant city-state that attracts millions of tourists every year. It is also known for its strict laws and regulations that aim to maintain public order and cleanliness. But did you know that some of these laws can affect your singing hobby?
In this blog post, I will explore the question: Is it illegal to sing in Singapore? I will also share some tips on how to enjoy singing without breaking any rules.
What are the Laws that can Affect your Singing in Singapore?
There are three main laws that you need to be aware of if you want to sing in Singapore. These are:
- The Penal Code, which prohibits singing obscene songs in public .
- The Public Entertainments Act, which prohibits playing an instrument in a public place in a manner that causes annoyance.
- The Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act, which prohibits being naked in a private place while being exposed to public view.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these laws and how they can affect your singing.
Singing Obscene Songs in Public is an Offence
According to Section 294 of the Penal Code, singing, reciting or uttering any ballad or obscene song in public is illegal . If you’re caught breaking this law, you’ll be punished with 3 months’ imprisonment, a fine or both.
What counts as an obscene song? Well, there is no clear definition, but it generally refers to any song that contains vulgar, indecent or offensive words or expressions. For example, songs that insult a person’s race, religion or sexuality, or songs that promote violence, drugs or crime.
So, if you’re planning to sing along to your favorite rap or rock songs in the park, on the bus or in the mall, you might want to think twice. You never know who might be listening and report you to the authorities.
Singing Annoying Songs with a Musical Instrument can also get you Fined
Another law that can affect your singing is Section 19 of the Public Entertainments Act, which prohibits playing an instrument in a public place in “a manner as to cause or be likely to cause annoyance to any person lawfully using a public road or in any public place”. The penalty for this offence is a fine of up to $1,000.
This means that if you’re singing with a guitar, a ukulele or any other musical instrument in public, and someone finds your performance annoying, you could get into trouble. Even if you’re not singing obscene songs, you could still be fined for being a nuisance.
Of course, this law does not apply to licensed buskers who have obtained permission from the National Arts Council to perform in designated areas. But if you’re not a professional musician and just want to sing for fun, you might want to avoid doing it in public places where you could disturb others.
Singing at Home is Fine, as long as you don’t Expose Yourself
You might think that singing at home is safe and legal, and you’re right. There is no law that forbids you from singing in the comfort of your own house. However, there is one thing you need to be careful about: your nudity.
Under Section 27A of the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act, a person cannot be naked in a private place while being exposed to public view. The punishment for this offence is a fine of $2,000, imprisonment for three months, or both.
This means that if you’re strutting around at home in your birthday suit while singing your heart out, and your neighbors can see you through your windows or balcony, you could be arrested. Police officers can legally enter your home and use force to arrest you if they receive a complaint.
So, if you want to sing at home without any clothes on, make sure your curtains are drawn and your doors are locked. You don’t want to give your neighbors a free show and end up in jail.
How to Enjoy Singing without Breaking any Laws
Singing is a wonderful hobby that can bring joy and happiness to yourself and others. It can also improve your health, mood and confidence. But as we have seen, there are some laws in Singapore that can limit your singing freedom.
So how can you enjoy singing without breaking any laws? Here are some tips:
- Sing in private places where you won’t disturb anyone. For example, sing in your car, in the shower or in your bedroom with headphones on.
- Sing with friends who share your passion and taste. For example, join a choir, a karaoke club or an online community where you can sing together and have fun.
- Sing with respect and sensitivity. For example, avoid singing obscene songs in public places where there might be children or people of different cultures and beliefs. Also avoid singing too loudly or too often where it might annoy others.
- Sing with caution and awareness. For example, check the lyrics of the songs before you sing them and make sure they are not offensive or illegal. Also check your surroundings before you sing and make sure you are not exposing yourself or violating any rules.
Singing is not illegal in Singapore as long as you do it responsibly and respectfully. By following these tips, you can enjoy singing without worrying about getting fined or arrested.
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