Guidelines for Performances at Autonomous Universities to Ensure Reflection of Widely-accepted Social Norms

Mr Ang Wei Neng asked the Minister for Education in light of the recent queer-themed performance at a local university which it later said should not have been held publicly, whether the Ministry will consider setting guidelines on public performances held in our autonomous universities to ensure that they reflect the widely accepted social norms and practices in Singapore.

As Institutes of Higher Learning, our autonomous universities (AUs) are common spaces and should provide neutral ground for learning, open discussions and civil discourse. In carrying out their activities, they must be respectful of Singapore's wider social norms and exercise appropriate judgement and sensitivity when dealing with issues that may potentially be socially divisive. Within the bounds of these principles, as well as national guidelines and laws, the AUs have the autonomy to manage campus activities, including public performances.