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# LGBTQ+ activists detained in Singapore
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/lgbtq-activists-detained-in-singapore/
- Published: 2021-01-28T12:18:24.000Z
- Updated: 2021-01-28T14:02:54.000Z
- Description: Three LGBTQ+ activists have been detained by police in Singapore after attending a small demonstration protesting the government’s mistreatment of a transgender student.
- Author: Rachel Badham
- Tags: News, Politics, LGBTQ, Trans Rights, Transgender

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/lgbt-singapore-pride-1.jpg)

A Pride parade in Singapore

Three LGBTQ+ activists have been detained by police in **Singapore** after attending a small demonstration protesting the government’s mistreatment of a transgender student. Five people protested outside the country’s education ministry on **Tuesday January 26**, following claims that the ministry had blocked a transgender student from receiving hormone therapy.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/singapore-minstry-of-education-1.jpg)

The group were protesting outside the national ministry of education

According to[ **Inquirer News**](https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1388940/singapore-protesters-detained-at-tiny-lgbt-rights-demo?ref=scenemag.co.uk#ixzz6klkfUc8R), the city has strict laws regarding protests, so the activists were arrested for taking part in a public assembly without a permit after ignoring warnings to disband. They have been released on bail but police are continuing investigations. **Averyn Thng**, a 23-year-old activist who took part in the protest but was not arrested, said the mistreatment of LGBTQ+ school students is common in Singapore: *“LGBTQ+ students in school aren’t treated well. The government doesn’t see us as important enough to be protected.”*

Singapore’s [LGBTQ+ citizens ](https://www.equaldex.com/region/singapore?ref=scenemag.co.uk)currently have no legal protections from discrimination, and same-sex marriage is still criminalised. The country is also known for its ban on same-sex male relations which dates back to 1938, with three activists currently [campaigning](https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210125-singapore-activists-appeal-gay-sex-ban-court-ruling?ref=scenemag.co.uk) for its repeal on the basis it is unconstitutional.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/singapore-lgbt-1.jpg)